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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

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

Before 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 first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

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

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

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