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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune 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 raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

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

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

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.