🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

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

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

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

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

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

The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles 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 added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.