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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Determination and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous 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 won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the road team.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.