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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.