🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

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

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

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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