The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off the NBA season with a heart-stopping 125-124 double-overtime victory over the Houston Rockets, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s late free throws secured the win in a game filled with dramatic twists and standout performances.
On a night of celebration at the Paycom Center, the Thunder raised their 2024-25 championship banner before a passionate home crowd, setting the stage for an intense opener. The game quickly delivered on expectations, with both teams trading leads 11 times in the first quarter alone, highlighting the back-and-forth nature from the start. Houston’s early aggression paid off as they led 30-27 after the first quarter, fueled by Amen Thompson’s 10 points and Kevin Durant’s eight in his regular-season debut with the Rockets.
Houston maintained control through much of the game, holding advantages after each of the first three quarters behind Alperen Sengun’s dominant inside presence and Durant’s scoring. Sengun finished with a game-high 35 points, while Durant added 20, but the Rockets struggled to put away the resilient Thunder. Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren kept his team in contention with 28 points, including a perfect 5-for-5 shooting in the first quarter for 13 points, but the Thunder trailed for most of the contest.
The fourth quarter saw a dramatic shift as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, awakened after a quiet start. Limited to 11 points through three quarters, he exploded for 12 points in the final period, including a clutch jumper with two seconds left to tie the game at 104. This came after Kevin Durant missed a crucial free throw that could have given Houston a three-point lead, forcing the game into overtime and setting the stage for more heroics.
In the first overtime, Gilgeous-Alexander continued his stellar play, hitting a 25-foot three-pointer to give Oklahoma City its largest lead at 110-104. However, the Rockets refused to fold, with Sengun’s powerful dunk with 8.8 seconds remaining tying the score at 115 and sending the game to a second overtime. The back-and-forth action showcased the resilience of both teams, with neither willing to concede an inch in the season opener.
The second overtime period was a nail-biter, featuring multiple lead changes and heightened tension. Sengun put Houston ahead 124-123 on a layup assisted by Durant, but Durant fouled out on the play, sending Gilgeous-Alexander to the free-throw line with the game on the line. With composure, Gilgeous-Alexander sank both free throws to reclaim the lead, and Oklahoma City’s defense held firm in the final seconds to secure the 125-124 victory.
This thrilling contest marked the sixth time in NBA history that an opening night game went to double overtime, underscoring its rarity and excitement. The win provided a perfect start to the Thunder’s title defense, boosting morale after the ring ceremony, while the Rockets demonstrated their potential with a strong performance despite the loss. Key statistics included Gilgeous-Alexander’s 23 points, with 12 coming in overtime periods, and Sengun’s 35-point effort for Houston.
Looking ahead, the victory sets a positive tone for Oklahoma City as they aim to repeat as champions, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren leading the charge. For Houston, the close loss highlights their competitiveness and the impact of offseason additions like Durant, suggesting they could be a force in the Western Conference. Both teams will build on this experience as the season unfolds, with fans treated to an unforgettable start to the 2025-26 NBA campaign.