Thunder Clinch Double Overtime Victory Over Rockets in NBA Season Opener

The Oklahoma City Thunder began their 2025-26 NBA season by unveiling their first-ever championship banner and presenting title rings, celebrating their historic 68-14 season and NBA championship. They opened the season with a dramatic double-overtime 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets, led by former Thunder star Kevin Durant, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 35 points and hitting crucial free throws late in the game. The Thunder, recognized as the gold standard entering the season, aim to become the first team since 2017-18 to repeat as champions, relying on a young core including Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, although Williams missed the opener due to wrist surgery. Meanwhile, the Rockets, coached by Ime Udoka and featuring fresh talent, are seen as challengers but showed weaknesses at point guard during the opener. The Western Conference remains highly competitive with other strong contenders like Minnesota, Golden State, and the Los Angeles Clippers making significant offseason moves. The season promises intense rivalries, highlighted by the emotional reunion of Durant with his former team, as the Thunder strive to prove their championship was no fluke.