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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.

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

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

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

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.

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

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.

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