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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive points deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two clutch free throws with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City defeated the 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 crown.

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

In other action, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists from Luka Doncic was not enough to prevent his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the 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 is recovering from a back issue.