🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, 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 game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

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

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.