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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left 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 personal-best five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, 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 tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the 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 claimed the 1979 title.

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 same day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

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

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.