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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. 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 squad were presented with their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

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

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.

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