Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City 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 won the 1979 crown.

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

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

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.