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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

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

Indiana will have the opportunity 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 Pistons.

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

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

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.