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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

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

Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

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

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

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.