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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

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

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

"Grit and defense," 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—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.