🔗 Share this article

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

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

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.