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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, 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 added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated the 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 won the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.