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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow win 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 double OT, giving the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

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

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

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

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.

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