🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

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

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana 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.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop 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 Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.