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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive baskets deep into a second overtime period as the defending champions started their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in double OT, giving the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, was instrumental together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said of their performance. "We know that when we do it defensively we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, 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 tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City beat the Pacers in the previous season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had won the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

In other action, a massive performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.