Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win
The Thunder star joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high 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 commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.
The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.
The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.
