Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win

The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Grit 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, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. 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 opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

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

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.