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The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad 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 relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the road team.

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.