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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," SGA said 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 misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.