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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Determination and defence," SGA said of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Lakers from falling to 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.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.