🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

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

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

Before the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.