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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 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 remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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