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The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the chance to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host the Thunder, while the Rockets return to action on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.