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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," 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—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with 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 moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

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

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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