Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory
The Thunder star joined Oklahoma City back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.
Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Determination and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."
Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City 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 opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.