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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, 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 game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, 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 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.