Oklahoma City Thunder Win Season Opener in Double Overtime

Emyli Creekmore October 22, 2025 8:31 pm

The Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off the start of the 2025-26 NBA season Tuesday evening, defeating Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets in a thrilling double overtime 125-124 victory at the Paycom Center.

Opening night for the Thunder began with a pre-game ceremony for the defending champions. Each player individually accepted their championship rings and watched as their 2024-25 championship banner was raised to its permanent home in the rafters.

From left to right, Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort posing with their new championship rings and trophy prior to the game. (PHOTO FROM CNN BY JESSE D. GARRABRANT)

The game was competitive throughout all four quarters, with OKC being down by as much as 12 points in the third quarter.

The Thunder trailed the entire second half, until 1:34 left in the fourth quarter when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a jumpshot to put OKC up 102-101.

The Rockets once again fought back to take the lead and Durant made both of his free throws with 9.5 seconds remaining to allow the Rockets to take the 104-102.

Gilgeous-Alexander took control and with 2.6 seconds left on the clock, he drained a 15-foot jump shot to tie the game and give his team another chance at the season-opener victory.

In overtime, OKC came out hot, draining two three-pointers to give them the early six point lead. Houston answered and for the next three minutes, it was a back and forth nail biter.

With the game tied up at 115-115 and 2.2 seconds remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander missed the bucket and Durant got the defensive rebound, advancing the teams into the second overtime.

In double overtime with 2.3 seconds left, Durant committed his sixth foul to put Gilgeous-Alexander at the line. Shai made both of his free throws, putting the Thunder up 125-124, ultimately securing the dramatic win for OKC.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 35 points and five assists. Chet Holmgren wasn’t far behind as he had 28 points and seven rebounds.

Oklahoma City will be on the road for the next three games before coming home next Tuesday, Oct. 28 to host Russell Westbrook and the Sacramento Kings.

The Thunder will take on defending Eastern Conference Champions, the Indiana Pacers tomorrow evening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with tipoff to begin at 6:30 pm.

OKC’s Alex Caruso has been ruled out for tomorrow’s game, as he suffered a concussion late in the game and has been placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol. Both Isaiah Joe and Jalen Williams will also remain out against the Pacers.