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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad 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 OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

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

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.