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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented 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 good start."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop 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 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.