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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning 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 scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders a winning beginning.

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

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

"Determination and defence," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

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

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

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his current team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.

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