🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

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

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.