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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

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

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

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

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.