Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. 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 title rings.

The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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