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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

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

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

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