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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won 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.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.