🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.