The NBA is back! Basketball fans got a thrilling start this season with a doubleheader on opening night. First up, the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the Houston Rockets. In a nail-biting finish, the Thunder clinched a 125-124 win after double overtime.
The game had drama from the start. Despite Houston taking control early, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive fourth-quarter performance sent the game into overtime. Both teams battled hard in the extra periods. A controversial moment arose when Kevin Durant called a timeout the Rockets didn’t have, which should have resulted in a technical foul. But instead, the game continued, leading to a second overtime. Alperen Sengun briefly gave the Rockets a lead, but two crucial free throws from Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the Thunder’s victory.
In the second game of the night, the Los Angeles Lakers were set to compete against the Golden State Warriors. However, LeBron James was absent for the season opener for the first time in 23 years due to sciatica issues. Luka Dončić was tasked with leading the Lakers in a tough matchup against seasoned Warriors veterans, including 39-year-old Al Horford and 37-year-old Stephen Curry.
The NBA this season is exciting for more reasons than just the games. A recent survey indicated that 57% of basketball fans are eager for a competitive season following the pandemic disruptions. Experts believe that fan engagement will soar as teams return to full capacity arenas.
Social media is buzzing too. Fans are sharing their reactions to the season’s start, with trending hashtags like #NBATipOff and #ThunderWin making waves online. The conversation suggests fans are already invested in playoff predictions and favorite player performances.
As the season unfolds, we’ll see how new dynamics with stars and rookies impact the league. The action promises to be fast-paced and full of surprises.
For live updates, you can follow coverage on CBS Sports.
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NBA,Golden State Warriors,Los Angeles Lakers,Oklahoma City Thunder,Houston Rockets
