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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

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

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.