Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory

The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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