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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

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

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

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