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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their championship campaign with a narrow win over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 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.

The Rockets' big man top-scored with a game-high 39 and also hit a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points of his own, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Determination and defense," SGA commented of their showing. "We know that when we execute defensively we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, missed attempts, fortune or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

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

The Pacers will have the opportunity to secure some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Houston return to action on the same day at the Pistons.

Elsewhere, a huge performance of 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine dimes from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his new team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 loss against the Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer James as he recovers from sciatica.