Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph
The Thunder star came to the Thunder back in 2019.
The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.
The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.
Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.
But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.
"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."
Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.
Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host 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 Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.
Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.
Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.
