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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

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

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

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

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

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

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.