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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.