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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

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

Indiana will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

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