Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph

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

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship 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 host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter 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.