Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defence with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season’s MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in second overtime, to get the champions off to a positive start.

Houston’s Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who scored 28 points for the Thunder, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

“Grit, determination and defence,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance.

“We know that when we do it (on defence) we give ourselves a chance no matter what’s going on – makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We’re pretty rusty, but it’s a good start.”