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The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win 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 double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.

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

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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