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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

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