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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 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 on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with 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 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 Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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