Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph

The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

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

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise 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 face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.