Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Victory

The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

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

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City 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.

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient 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 chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.