Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win
The Thunder star joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.
But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.
Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.
Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.
The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.
