🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. 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 championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the 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 crown.

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.