🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

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

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

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

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

Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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