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The Thunder's star player scored the winning points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a narrow victory over the visiting Rockets.

Last season's MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, giving the champions a positive start.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with 39 points and also connected on a career-high five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role together with 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—shots, misses, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're still shaking off rust, but it's a positive beginning."

Before the game, Oklahoma's championship banner was raised at their arena, while the squad were awarded their championship rings.

Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their first title since the team moved in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

Indiana will have the chance to secure some payback on Friday when they host 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 insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.

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

The Lakers were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from a back issue.