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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

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

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

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last 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 opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.