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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

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

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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