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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated 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 title.

Indiana will have the chance to secure 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 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient 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 for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.