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The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana 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 won the 1979 crown.

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

In other action, 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 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.

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