🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to 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.

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