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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, 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, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated 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 OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.