🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points deep into double overtime as the defending champions 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 mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder 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 crown.

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

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.