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The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State 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 is recovering from sciatica.