Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Victory
The Thunder star came to Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.
But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.
"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.
Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.
