Thunder begin NBA title defence with double overtime win over Rockets

The Oklahoma City Thunder began their NBA title defence in dramatic fashion, edging out the Houston Rockets 125-124 in a thrilling double-overtime game on Tuesday night. Last season’s MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved decisive once again, sinking two clutch free throws with just 2.3 seconds remaining to seal the win.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points, leading the defending champions to victory in front of a home crowd celebrating their championship banner and ring ceremony. His composure under pressure ensured the Thunder opened the 2025/26 NBA season on a winning note.

Houston’s Alperen Şengün delivered a remarkable performance of his own, scoring 39 points and setting a new career-high with five three-pointers, keeping the Rockets in contention throughout the contest.

For Oklahoma, Chet Holmgren added 28 points, combining brilliantly with Gilgeous-Alexander to power the Thunder through a scrappy, high-intensity game that demanded resilience.

“Grit, determination and defence,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “We know that when we lock in defensively, we give ourselves a chance no matter what’s happening. We were a bit rusty, but it’s a good start.”

Before tip-off, fans witnessed an emotional celebration as the Thunder’s 2024 NBA Championship banner was raised at the Paycom Center. Players received their championship rings, commemorating the franchise’s first-ever title since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2008. The team’s previous championship came in 1979 when they were still known as the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Thunder claimed last season’s championship by defeating the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals, and they’ll face them again on Friday in a rematch that promises plenty of emotion and energy. Meanwhile, the Rockets will look to regroup when they travel to face the Detroit Pistons on the same night.

Elsewhere in the NBA

In another headline matchup, Luka Dončić put up a massive 43 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists in his Los Angeles Lakers debut, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Golden State Warriors, who triumphed 119-109.

Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 31 points, while Stephen Curry contributed 23, as Golden State spoiled Dončić’s first night in Lakers colours. The Lakers were without LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, who continues to recover from sciatica.

SportsLigue