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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

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

Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder defeated the 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 title.

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

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.