Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Victory

The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

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

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

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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