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The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning baskets deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, securing the titleholders a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Prior to the tip-off, the team's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City 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 identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was not enough to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 for the visiting Warriors.

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