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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow victory 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 remaining in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

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

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.