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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"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, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their title rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

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

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

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