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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.