Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win

The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.