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The Thunder's star player scored the winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

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

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.