🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

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

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.