Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Dramatic Overtime Triumph

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

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

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

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

"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.