The Oklahoma City Thunder opened their new season with an unforgettable night, raising their inaugural NBA championship banner and receiving their hard-earned rings, before defeating Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets in a double-overtime thriller that showcased their champion’s grit.
The Oklahoma City Thunder cemented their place in franchise history on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, by raising their first-ever NBA championship banner at Paycom Center. This momentous occasion, marking their first crown since the team relocated from Seattle in 2008—and the franchise’s first since the 1979 Seattle SuperSonics title—set a powerful tone for the new season. The evening wasn’t just about celebrating past triumphs; it was also a preview of the intense battles ahead, as the Thunder immediately faced a formidable challenger in the Houston Rockets, led by former OKC icon Kevin Durant.
A Night of Celebration and Dazzling Rings
Before the tip-off against the Rockets, an electric atmosphere enveloped Paycom Center as fans witnessed the unveiling of the 2024 NBA Championship banner. The ceremony included NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who presented the coveted rings to Thunder chairman Clay Bennett and team president Sam Presti. Following this, each player, including MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-Star Jalen Williams, and rising star Chet Holmgren, received their lustrous championship rings, eliciting roaring cheers from the crowd. Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning league MVP, was the last to receive his, greeted by emphatic “M-V-P” chants as he proudly displayed the symbol of their achievement.
The rings, meticulously designed by Jostens, are true works of art. They are crafted in 14-karat gold and feature over 800 custom-cut, hand-set gemstones. The intricate design includes:
- Diamonds spelling “OKC” on top of the team’s shield, framed by a gold-outlined championship trophy.
- Forty-six taper-cut genuine blue sapphires encircling the main logo.
- “NBA” and “CHAMPIONS” spelled out in diamonds against a gold background on the front.
- A unique “ring within a ring” feature, allowing the inner band to be worn separately. This inner band boasts 94 diamonds, an engraved player signature, and their jersey number in diamonds, surrounded by the numbers of their teammates.
- A tribute to the Gates of Time and the Reflecting Pool at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on the outer palm side, symbolizing the city’s resilience.
The Complicated Return of Kevin Durant
Adding a dramatic layer to the festive evening was the return of Kevin Durant, this time wearing a Houston Rockets uniform. Durant, a legendary figure in Oklahoma City who led the Thunder to the 2012 NBA Finals and won the 2014 MVP award with the franchise, joined the Rockets during the offseason. His departure for the Golden State Warriors in 2016 left a complex legacy with many fans feeling a sense of betrayal, especially after he joined the team that had just eliminated OKC in the Western Conference Finals, as reported by Yahoo Sports. Now 37, Durant recently signed a two-year extension with Houston, signaling his commitment to help the Rockets contend and instantly positioning them as a top challenger to the Thunder’s throne.
This matchup was Durant’s first regular-season game in Oklahoma City since joining the Rockets, amplifying the emotional stakes for both players and fans.
Champions Fight for the Win: Thunder vs. Rockets Thriller
The game itself proved to be a fittingly dramatic opening to the Thunder’s title defense. The champions, even without All-NBA guard Jalen Williams (recovering from right wrist surgery), showcased their championship DNA, grinding out a 125-124 double-overtime victory against the Rockets. It was a fiercely contested game where Houston initially dictated the tempo and dominated the glass (51 to 39), but the Thunder’s resilience shone through.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the architect of their championship run, delivered a masterful performance, scoring 35 points, with an astonishing 24 of those coming in the fourth quarter and overtimes. In a poetic ending, Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the game by baiting Durant into his sixth foul with 2.3 seconds remaining, then calmly sinking free throws to secure the win. As head coach Mark Daigneault noted, the team had to “weather the storm and handle situations down the stretch the right way.”
The Thunder’s victory was a testament to the “championship DNA” that coach Daigneault has instilled, focusing on non-negotiable tenets: communication, defense, and effort. Despite the Rockets’ Alperen Şengün posting a monster 39-point, 11-rebound, 7-assist performance, OKC’s defense frustrated Houston, forcing 24 turnovers and limiting them to 13-of-52 from three-point range. Rookies like Cason Wallace stepped up, contributing defensively as an irritant and adding three triples, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Chet Holmgren also had a standout night with 28 points on efficient 11-of-17 shooting, exploiting soft spots in Houston’s zone defense. This collective effort, even on an “ugly” night as Gilgeous-Alexander described it, underscored why they are the reigning champions.
From Rebuild to Reign: The Thunder’s Journey
The Thunder’s path to the 2024 NBA Championship was a long and arduous one, marked by both soaring highs and devastating lows. After a foundational era that saw stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden lead them to the 2012 NBA Finals, only to fall to LeBron James’ Miami Heat, the franchise endured a period of rebuilding. The departure of their superstar trio ushered in losing seasons, but the front office, under Presti’s guidance, kept faith in a new vision. This vision centered around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who blossomed into an MVP-caliber player, alongside a meticulously assembled young core. Their 2024 title, culminating in a pulsating seven-game series victory over the Indiana Pacers, was the reward for years of patience and strategic development, marking a new chapter for the franchise with a dominant 68-14 regular season record, as detailed by NBA.com.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Dynasty in Oklahoma City?
With their core of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren all signing extensions during the offseason, and head coach Mark Daigneault returning with most of his bench unit, the Oklahoma City Thunder enter the new campaign as clear favorites to repeat. Their 2024 title run was defined by exceptional chemistry, stifling defense, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch play, averaging over 30 points in the postseason. Holmgren’s rim protection and Williams’ versatility made them one of the league’s toughest matchups. The continuity and confidence within the squad fuel the belief that OKC can not only defend their throne but potentially build a dynasty, filling Paycom Center with more championship banners in the years to come.
As Gilgeous-Alexander aptly put it after the opening night win, “We need to get better… If we want to do what we just did again, we’re gonna have to be a better team in a few months.” The Thunder’s commitment to continuous improvement, even after reaching the mountaintop, is a clear signal to the rest of the league: all roads to success still lead through Oklahoma City.
