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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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