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The Thunder's star player scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander 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, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat 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 missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.