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The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.

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