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The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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