OKLAHOMA CITY – The Thunder’s opening night was a night to remember. They had planned everything down to the last detail, including a grand moment for the NBA champions, raising their banner high in the arena.
But the real excitement came after the pregame festivities. The Thunder fought hard, coming back from a 12-point deficit in the second half. In a nail-biting finish, they clinched a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets, starting their 80th season by recalling the resilience that got them their championship last year.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off winning MVP, showed why he’s at the top of his game. He scored 35 points, with 24 of those in the fourth quarter and overtime. His two crucial free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining sealed the win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is back, already dropping 35 points to kick off the season!🔥 #NBA
— NBA Africa (@NBA_Africa) October 22, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander described the night as “surreal,” celebrating both the title and the banner now hung in the arena. Teammate Chet Holmgren added 28 points, while Ajay Mitchell contributed 16 off the bench. Their victory was even more impressive considering they were missing Jalen Williams, a key player recovering from wrist surgery.
On the Rockets’ side, Alperen Şengün shined with 39 points and 11 rebounds, while Kevin Durant, in his debut with Houston, scored 23 points. The atmosphere was tense, especially in the final moments. Had the Rockets won, there would have been serious debate about a missed call regarding Durant trying to call a timeout in overtime.
This match marked only the sixth time in NBA history that an opening night game went into double overtime. It showed just how competitive the Thunder and Rockets were, especially considering Houston’s lineup was one of the tallest in history at 413 inches combined.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault noted, “It wasn’t an easy night,” reflecting the pushback from Houston. This opening night wasn’t just a celebration but also a test of the Thunder’s grit after a remarkable season. Last year, Oklahoma City not only won the title but also set records for the average margin of victory and wins by double digits.
The team’s success came about during a period that saw franchises evolve strategies to compete at high levels. That kind of commitment was even more significant last season as the Thunder were the second-youngest team to win a finals.
As for Houston, they are facing their own challenges, having lost point guard Fred VanVleet to a season-ending injury. This reshaped their roster and meant young players needed to take on larger roles, as seen with second-year player Amen Thompson, who scored 18 points in Tuesday’s game.
After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the need for humility and growth. Reflecting on their journey, he shared, “It was an amazing moment. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.” This reminder of their past trials makes their victories all the more valuable, as they aim for another championship season.
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Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, NBA
