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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

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

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Prior to the game, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists 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 added 23 points for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.