The Oklahoma City Thunder launched their NBA title defense with an epic 125-124 double-overtime win over the Houston Rockets, fueled by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35 points and a dramatic ceremony celebrating their first franchise championship, signaling a resilient start to their season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder embarked on their quest for a second consecutive NBA title with an electrifying start, clinching a 125-124 double-overtime victory against the new-look Houston Rockets. This nail-biting season opener not only showcased the Thunder’s championship resolve but also featured a poignant pre-game celebration, as the franchise hoisted its first-ever championship banner and players received their diamond-encrusted rings.
The Epic Double-Overtime Battle
The highly anticipated season opener on October 22, 2025, quickly devolved into an instant classic, characterized by an incredible 22 lead changes. The Rockets, spearheaded by their new acquisition Kevin Durant and rising star Alperen Sengun, threatened to spoil the celebration early on, building a 12-point lead in the third quarter. However, the resilient Thunder clawed their way back, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With the game tied at 104 in the dying seconds of regulation, Gilgeous-Alexander’s pull-up jumper forced the first overtime. The back-and-forth intensity continued, with both teams trading blows. The game eventually extended into a rare second overtime, only the sixth time an opening night went to double overtime and the first since 2005, as noted by The Associated Press.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Reigning MVP’s Statement
As the reigning NBA and NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a performance befitting his status. Despite a slow start, he finished with a game-high 35 points. His most crucial contribution came in the waning seconds of the second overtime when he drew a decisive foul from Kevin Durant with just 2.3 seconds left. Coolly sinking both free throws, Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the 125-124 victory, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
When asked about the team’s gritty win, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized: “Grit, determination and defence. We know that when we do it [on defence] we give ourselves a chance no matter what’s going on – makes, misses, good luck or bad luck. We did enough defence tonight to get the win. We’re pretty rusty, but it’s a good start.” His words, originally reported by Reuters, underscored the team’s commitment to their defensive identity.
Durant’s Return to OKC: A Mixed Reception
The game marked a highly anticipated return for Kevin Durant to Oklahoma City, this time donning a Houston Rockets jersey after being traded from the Phoenix Suns in the close season. Durant, who scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds, was met with a chorus of boos from the Thunder faithful during pregame introductions and throughout the contest. Fans still remember his departure in 2016 to join the Golden State Warriors, a rival at the time.
The narrative came full circle when Durant fouled Gilgeous-Alexander, leading to the game-winning free throws. The crowd erupted as Durant exited the game with his sixth personal foul, a moment highlighted by The Canadian Press. Adding to the drama, in the first overtime, Durant attempted to call a timeout the Rockets didn’t possess, a play missed by officials that could have drastically altered the outcome.
Supporting Cast Shines Bright
While Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the heroics, the Thunder’s supporting cast played crucial roles. Second-year forward Chet Holmgren continued to impress, contributing 28 points and seven rebounds. Rookie sensation Ajay Mitchell also caught the eye, coming off the bench to score 16 points, including three three-pointers and a crucial four-point play at the end of the first half.
For the Rockets, Turkish star Alperen Sengun had an outstanding performance, leading all scorers with a career-high 39 points and making five three-pointers. Despite his individual brilliance and Durant’s efforts, it wasn’t enough to secure a victory against the reigning champions.
A Champion’s Welcome Home
The evening began with an emotional ceremony, celebrating the Thunder’s NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers last season – the franchise’s first title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. The championship banner was unfurled, and players received their rings, marking a triumphant occasion for the city and the team.
Addressing the home crowd, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his gratitude: “On behalf of the organisation, myself and my teammates, we just want to say thank you. From the moment we stepped here, the love has been unconditional. Whether we were losing by 40 or winning by 40, you guys never wavered and we will never forget that. This ring is just as much ours as it is yours.” These sentiments, widely reported by various news outlets including Agence France-Presse (AFP), highlighted the deep bond between the team and its fanbase.
What Lies Ahead for the Thunder and Rockets
The Thunder will face an early test of their championship mettle when they visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday, giving the Pacers an immediate chance for revenge after last season’s finals. The Rockets, looking to bounce back from their narrow loss, are scheduled to return to action the same day against the Detroit Pistons. This opening night thriller sets a high bar for the rest of the NBA season, promising more intense matchups and standout performances.
Beyond Oklahoma City: Other Opening Night Highlights
Elsewhere on opening night, the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 119-109 defeat to the Golden State Warriors. Despite a monumental individual effort from Luka Dončić, who tallied 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in his debut with the Lakers, it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The Lakers were notably without NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron James, as he continues his recovery from sciatica, a detail reported by the BBC Sport. For the visiting Warriors, Jimmy Butler led the scoring with 31 points, supported by Stephen Curry’s 23 points.
