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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.