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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the players were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes 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 scored 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 for the road team.

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