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The Thunder's star player delivered the game-winning points late in double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their championship campaign with a 125-124 win over the visiting Rockets.

The reigning MVP poured in a team-high 35 points, including two from the free-throw line with just mere seconds remaining in the second overtime, securing the champions a positive start.

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

But the Thunder's rookie, who contributed 28 points, played a major role alongside 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—shots, missed attempts, fortune or misfortune. We did enough defensive work to get the win. We're pretty rusty, but it's a good start."

Before the tip-off, the team's title banner was raised at their home court, while the players were awarded their championship rings.

The Thunder beat the 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 won the 1979 crown.

The Pacers will have the opportunity to get some early revenge on this Friday when they host Oklahoma, while the Rockets are back on court on the same day at the Pistons.

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

Miami's star scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 points for the road team.

Los Angeles were missing the league's top scorer LeBron James as he is recovering from a back issue.