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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

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

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat 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 recovers from sciatica.