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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

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

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.