Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory
The Thunder star came to the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
