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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points deep into a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the road team.

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.