Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Victory

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

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

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

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

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work 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 arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

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

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

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

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