Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated 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.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.