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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent 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 added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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