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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

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

The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, 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 dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.