Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 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 defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.

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