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The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

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

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

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

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

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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