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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous 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 secure some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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