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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous 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 Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.