Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph

The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic 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 picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.