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

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder defeated 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 won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.