Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Championship Defense with Thrilling Overtime Triumph

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," SGA commented 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 positive beginning."

Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with 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 moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit 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 Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.