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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers 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, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

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

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

Elsewhere, 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 falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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