Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win

The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.