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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

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

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.