🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

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

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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