🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder beat 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 claimed the 1979 title.

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

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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