Oklahoma City beats Houston by one in double overtime thriller

Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP and Finals MVP, was the hero of the evening, scoring 35 points, including two crucial free throws in the final 2.3 seconds of the second overtime to secure the victory. The game also doubled as a celebration, with the Thunder receiving their championship rings and raising their title banner in front of home supporters.

A historic season opener

This contest was the first NBA season opener since 2005 to be decided after two overtimes, and only the sixth time in league history such an event occurred — highlighting its rarity and excitement.

Despite a slow start that saw Gilgeous-Alexander score just five points in the first half, he took control in the second, guiding his team through tense exchanges that tested both sides' endurance and composure.

Durant faces former team amid mixed reception

The match heightened drama as it brought Oklahoma City face-to-face with their former star Kevin Durant, who left the franchise in 2016 to join the Golden State Warriors, a move still bitterly remembered by Thunder supporters. Durant, now donning a Houston Rockets jersey following a seven-team trade deal in July from the Phoenix Suns, was met with loud boos both before and during the game.

Durant delivered a strong performance despite the pressure, scoring 23 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in his official debut for Houston.