🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," 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—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.

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