Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Championship Defense with Dramatic Overtime Win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough 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 chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.