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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, 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 tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

The Thunder 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.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards 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.

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

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