Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph

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

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

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

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

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.