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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 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, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

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

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.