Thunder 125-124 Rockets (Oct 21, 2025) Game Recap

The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their championship with a ring ceremony and banner unveiling on opening night, then defeated the Houston Rockets 125-124 in a double-overtime thriller. The game marked just the sixth double-overtime opener in NBA history and the first since 2005.

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the decisive points on two free throws with 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime after being fouled by Kevin Durant. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points after scoring just five in the first half. Durant, playing his first game for Houston after an offseason trade, was booed heavily by Thunder fans who haven't forgiven his 2016 departure to rival Golden State.

The game featured several dramatic moments, including Gilgeous-Alexander's tying jumper with 2.1 seconds left in regulation and a controversial non-call in the first overtime when Durant attempted to call a timeout the Rockets didn't have. Crew chief Zach Zarba confirmed postgame that officials didn't see Durant's timeout signal.

Chet Holmgren contributed 28 points and seven rebounds for Oklahoma City, while Alperen Sengun led Houston with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high five three-pointers. The Thunder played without All-Star Jalen Williams, who continues recovering from wrist surgery.

Both teams face their next opponents later this week, with Oklahoma City visiting Indiana in an NBA Finals rematch and Houston traveling to Detroit.