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The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on 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 commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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