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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.

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

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

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.