Oklahoma City Thunder Kick Off Title Defense with Nail-Biting Double Overtime Triumph

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, 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 contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

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

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

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