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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.