Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last 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 get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, 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 new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

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