Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

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

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

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

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City 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 same day at the Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.

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