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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

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

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.