🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title 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 payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.