Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

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

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

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