Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win

The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.