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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning 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 a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.