OKC Thunder Celebrate First Championship With Double Overtime Win, Banner Raising

The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their first-ever NBA championship with a nationally televised ring ceremony at Paycom Center before their season opener against the Houston Rockets, highlighting an elaborate championship ring featuring over 800 custom-cut gemstones and personalized player details. The championship banner was raised amid a roaring crowd, marking a historic moment for the franchise that had faced past playoff disappointments. In the season opener, the Thunder narrowly defeated the Rockets 125-124 in double overtime, with reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivering a clutch performance, scoring 35 points and taking over in the final moments despite a slow start. The game also featured a notable storyline with former Thunder star Kevin Durant, now with the Rockets, scoring 23 points. The thrilling double overtime win demonstrated the Thunder's resilience and continued dominance as they defend their title in the 2025-26 season. Overall, the night was a celebration of past success and a promising start to the new campaign, with key contributions from Gilgeous-Alexander and a strong team effort.