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The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

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

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

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