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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

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

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

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

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

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

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

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.