Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Triumph

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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