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The Thunder's star player scored the decisive baskets late in double overtime as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP scored a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds left in double OT, giving the titleholders 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 added 28 points of his own, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

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

In other action, a huge effort of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from suffering a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

The Lakers were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he is recovering from sciatica.