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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside 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 opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

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

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.