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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge 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 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.