Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Championship Defense with Dramatic Double Overtime Win

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

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.