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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title 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 payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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