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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

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

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.