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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

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

"Grit 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—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

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

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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