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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the champions a positive start.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role together with the game's hero.

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

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were awarded their title rings.

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

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.