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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

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

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

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

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.