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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning points deep into double overtime as the defending champions opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP scored a team-high 35 points, featuring two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a winning beginning.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with 39 points and also hit a career-high five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

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

Prior to the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their home court, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

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

The Pacers will have the chance to secure some early revenge on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Houston return to action on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, 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 Golden State Warriors.

Miami's star picked up 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the visiting Warriors.

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