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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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