Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined Oklahoma City in 2019.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.
The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.
The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points 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 together with the game's hero.
"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."
Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.
The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.
Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.
In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient 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 chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.
The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.
