🔗 Share this article

The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder defeated the 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 claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

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