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The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City 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 claimed the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.