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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," 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, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.

The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.