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The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston 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 titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

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

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.