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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

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

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, 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, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won 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 Pistons.

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

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

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