Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Victory

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma'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 championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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