Oklahoma City Thunder Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Overtime Victory

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

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

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

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit 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 Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

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