🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," 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, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised 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 relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.