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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.