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The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, 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 maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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