Oklahoma City Thunder Launch Title Defense with Thrilling Double Overtime Triumph

The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, 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 execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

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

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.