Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Victory

The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.

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 do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship 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 payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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