Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph

The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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