Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win

The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"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—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous 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 opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 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.