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

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

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

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from sciatica.