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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical 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 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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