Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated 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 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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