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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

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

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers 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, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

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

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

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.