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The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions opened their NBA title defense with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun 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, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

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

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

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

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to prevent his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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