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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defence," SGA said 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 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 game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

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

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

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

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.