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The Thunder's star player delivered the winning baskets late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder 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 mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points, played a major role alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we do it on defence 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."

Before the tip-off, the team's championship banner was unveiled at their arena, while the squad were presented with their title rings.

The Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had won the 1979 crown.

Indiana will have the opportunity to get some payback on this Friday when they face the Thunder, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Pistons.

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

Miami's star scored 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter added 23 for the road team.

Los Angeles were without the NBA's all-time leading scorer LeBron James as he recovers from a back issue.