Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph

The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with 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 opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.