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

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana 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.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this 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 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.