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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning 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 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, giving the titleholders a positive start.

Houston's Alperun Sengun top-scored with a game-high 39 and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with the game's hero.

"Grit and defense," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we do it on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, good luck or bad luck. We did sufficient defence to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a good start."

Before the game, the team's title banner was raised at their arena, while the players were presented with their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's championship series. It was their first title since the franchise relocated in 2008 to OKC from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 crown.

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

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 boards and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was not enough to prevent his new team the Lakers from suffering a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the NBA's all-time leading scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.