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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship 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 won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they face Oklahoma, 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 dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

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