Thunder rolls past Rockets as title defense begins with a bang

The back and forth nature of the contest — which saw no fewer than 22 lead changes — continued in overtime, before Gilgeous-Alexander cleverly drew what turned out to be the decisive foul from Durant to secure the pair of free throws that settled the game.

Gilgeous-Alexander had earlier been front and center of the festivities as Oklahoma City's players were presented with their 2024-25 championship rings.

"On behalf of the organization, myself and my teammates, we just want to say thank you," Gilgeous-Alexander said in remarks to the home crowd.

"From the moment we stepped here, the love has been unconditional. Whether we were losing by 40 or winning by 40, you guys never wavered, and we will never forget that. This ring is just as much yours as it is ours."

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the Finals last season to win its first title since the franchise moved from Seattle in 2008. The Thunder won it all after a 68-14 regular season that earned it home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the crowd before awarding rings to Thunder chairman Clay Bennett and team president Sam Presti. After that, the players came through a tunnel one by one, first hugging Silver, then Presti before receiving their rings from Bennett.

League MVP Gilgeous-Alexander was the last to receive his ring. He received "M-V-P" chants as he stood in the tunnel in the moments before he stepped onto the court. After he received his box, he opened it, looked at the ring and shimmied before joining his teammates.

"It was surreal," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I don't know how to describe it besides that. It was super fun, though. Seeing the banner raised was cool, too, knowing that it'll be up there forever. And we're the first group to bring the city a championship. It's a pretty special feeling."

The rings, designed by jewelery specialist Jostens, are set in 14-karat gold with more than 800 custom-cut, hand-set gemstones.

Agencies