Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win

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

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court 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 insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.