🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it 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 pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

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

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.