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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win 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 champions a positive start.

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 contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

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