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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat 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 secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.