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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.

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

Before the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.

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