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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

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

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

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

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.

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