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The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their championship rings.

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

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on 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 assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

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