🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

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

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

"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

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

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.