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

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

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

Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. 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 payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.