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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter 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.