Thunder Launch Title Defense with Nail-Biting Overtime Win

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win 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 remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

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

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.