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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started 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 mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Grit and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

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

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat 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 missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.