Thunder Begin Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

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

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

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

Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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