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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.

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

Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 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.