Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph

The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. 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, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

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

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

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.