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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

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

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

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

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

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

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.