Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.