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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the defending champions started their NBA title defense with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets.

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

Houston's Alperun Sengun led all scorers with 39 points and also connected on a personal-best five shots from beyond the arc.

But Chet Holmgren, who added 28 points of his own, played a major role together with match-winner Gilgeous-Alexander.

"Grit and defence," SGA said of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a opportunity no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, 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 beat the Pacers in last season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the team relocated 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 Oklahoma, while the Houston are back on court on the same day at the Detroit Pistons.

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

Jimmy Butler picked up 31 points and Golden State's sharpshooter chipped in 23 for the road team.

The Lakers were without the league's top scorer James as he is recovering from a back issue.