Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. 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 title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.

The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new 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 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.