🔗 Share this article

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

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere 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 of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance 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 championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

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

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

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.