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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting 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, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

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

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.