🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous 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.

Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.