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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Determination and defense," 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—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

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

Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.