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The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened 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 mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

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

The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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