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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow win 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, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

The Thunder 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 Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star 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 a back issue.