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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, securing the titleholders a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five three-pointers.

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

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, the team's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

The Pacers 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.

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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