🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented 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 misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

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

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.