Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.