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

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

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 contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

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

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

The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

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

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

Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.