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The Thunder's star player delivered the decisive points late in a second overtime period as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a narrow victory over the Houston Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in 35 points, featuring two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in double OT, securing the champions a winning beginning.

The Rockets' big man led all scorers with a game-high 39 and also hit a career-high five three-pointers.

But the Thunder's rookie, who added 28 points, was instrumental alongside the game's hero.

"Grit and defence," SGA commented of their performance. "We know that when we execute on defence we give ourselves a chance no matter what's going on—makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defensive work to secure the victory. We're pretty rusty, but it's a positive beginning."

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

Oklahoma City beat the Indiana Pacers in the previous season's best-of-seven NBA Finals. It was their maiden championship since the franchise relocated in 2008 to Oklahoma City from Seattle, who had claimed the 1979 title.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some payback on Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the identical day at the Detroit Pistons.

Elsewhere, a massive effort of 43 points, 12 boards and nine assists from the Slovenian star was insufficient to stop his current team the Los Angeles Lakers from falling to a 119-109 defeat against the Warriors.

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

Los Angeles were without the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from sciatica.