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The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

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

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

Oklahoma City beat the 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 claimed the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.