Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

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

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 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 do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved 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 host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.