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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

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

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

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles 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 league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.