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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.

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

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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