🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign 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 left in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best 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.

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

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

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.