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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

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

The Thunder beat the Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

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

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.

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