Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

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

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute 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 pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

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

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.