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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

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

"Determination 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—makes, missed attempts, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their title rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive 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 Golden State Warriors.

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

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