🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City defeated 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 claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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