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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.