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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, 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 title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the chance to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.