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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles 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 for the road team.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.