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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

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

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.