🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 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 left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

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

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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