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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

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

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

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

Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.