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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders 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 added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles 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 missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.