🔗 Share this article

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

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

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

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.

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