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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit 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 match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

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

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

The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.