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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

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