Before the game, Oklahoma City’s championship banner was raised into the rafters and the players were presented with their championship rings for last year’s title run. Gilgeous-Alexander, who had missed four of his 12 earlier free throws, hit both of his foul shots to put Oklahoma City ahead. Houston’s big lineup, with four 6-foot-11 players, gave Oklahoma City fits early. Oklahoma City struggled from distance throughout the game, but Cason Wallace drained a 3-pointer with 2:01 remaining to pull his team within 101-100. Gilgeous-Alexander then drained a jumper to put Oklahoma City ahead for the first time since the second quarter.