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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the tip-off, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

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

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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