Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Triumph

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the 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 James as he recovers from sciatica.