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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started 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 the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.