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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow 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 remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander 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, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

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

Indiana will have the chance to get some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.