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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win 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, securing the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

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

Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.