Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Victory

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, 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 Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

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

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.