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The Thunder's star player scored the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with 39 points 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 alongside the game's hero.

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

Before the tip-off, Oklahoma's title banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their title rings.

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

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

In other action, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from Luka Doncic was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.