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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck 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, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded 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 franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.