🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.

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

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

Elsewhere, a huge performance 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 loss against the Warriors.

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

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