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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory 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 double OT, securing the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

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

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.

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