Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Win

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance 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."

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

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title 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 early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston 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 insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.