Oklahoma City Thunder Survives in Double Overtime Against Houston Rockets

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — The Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off the 2025-2026 NBA season with a thrilling 125-124 double-overtime victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. The game was marked by back-and-forth action and standout performances from both teams, highlighting the new season’s excitement.

The Thunder, who celebrated their championship banner and received their rings prior to the game, showcased their resilience by overcoming a 12-point deficit in the second half. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 35 points, stepping up crucially during key moments, including hitting the go-ahead free throws with 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime.

“It was grit, determination, and defense that got us through,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. He emphasized the importance of strong defensive play as the foundation for their success.

The Rockets, facing a challenging start to their season without injured guard Fred VanVleet, showed promise with Alperen Şengün scoring 39 points and Kevin Durant contributing 23 in his debut against his former team. Despite their strong performance, Houston could not secure the win as they suffered a critical turnover late in the game.

In the first overtime, the teams exchanged leads, but ultimately, it was the Thunder’s ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities and convert critical plays that clinched the game. “We were just making plays when it mattered,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault.

Oklahoma City’s bench also played a crucial role, contributing 36 points to help secure the win. Ajay Mitchell led the bench with 16 points, further emphasizing the depth of the Thunder’s roster.

After this heart-stopping opener, both teams will look to build on their performances. The Oklahoma City Thunder will travel for their next game, while the Houston Rockets will seek to regroup as they adjust their strategies moving forward in the season.

As both teams look to solidify their identities for the new season, fans can expect more thrilling matchups in the coming weeks.