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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," 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—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. 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 early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.