The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Houston Rockets in double overtime at the Paycom Center in the NBA season opener on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made two free throws with 2.3 seconds left in 2 OTs as the Thunder opened its NBA title defense with a 125-124 win against the Rockets.

Despite the officiating lapse, Oklahoma City capped off Ring Night with a hard-fought win and will now prepare to face the Indiana Pacers on Thursday in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. Meanwhile, the Rockets will look to bounce back from the tough loss when they take on the Detroit Pistons on Friday.

Houston went with an ultra-tall starting lineup in the wake of Fred VanVleet's torn ACL. It's not clear if that will be sustainable for Ime Udoka or if the roster will need tweaks down the line, but it's a strong start for the center.

The Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder put together a noteworthy battle that will be talked about throughout the year. It’s safe to say the season-op

A 125-124 double-overtime loss to the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder won't become a tell-all for the Houston Rockets. After all, it's Game 1 of 82 contests—a mere pitstop on a long, winding,

The Oklahoma City Thunder received their NBA championship rings before their season opener against the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets came up short against the Thunder on opening night, but Alperen Sengun got his 2025-26 season started off on the right foot.