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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.