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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some payback 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 assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.