🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence 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 defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous 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 opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.

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