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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

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

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering 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 NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.