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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive 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 poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "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 misfortune. We did enough defence to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was unveiled at their home court, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from Luka Doncic was insufficient to prevent his current team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 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.