Thunder edge Rockets in double OT as Gilgeous-Alexander seals ring night with late free throws
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Oklahoma City, Oct. 22, 2025 — Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knocked down two free throws with 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, allowing the Oklahoma City Thunder to outlast the Houston Rockets 125-124 in Tuesday’s season opener at Paycom Center.
The decisive trip to the line came after Gilgeous-Alexander got former Thunder star Kevin Durant to leave his feet on a pump fake. The 35-point outing capped a night that began with Oklahoma City’s championship banner rising and players receiving rings studded with more than 800 diamonds and gemstones.
Durant and the Rockets left the floor during the ceremony, then spent much of the game trying to keep the ball out of Gilgeous-Alexander’s hands. Houston limited him to five points before halftime, but the guard answered with 12 in the fourth quarter and 12 more across the two extra periods. He finished 12-for-26 from the field, 1-for-9 from deep, and added at least five rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals.
“It was an amazing moment,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of the banner raising. “I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
Chet Holmgren poured in 28 points, 18 before intermission, helping Oklahoma City erase a deficit that reached 12. All-NBA forward Jalen Williams watched in street clothes as he recovers from offseason wrist surgery.
Durant’s Houston debut — his fourth team since leaving the Thunder in 2016 — ended with 32 points but a narrow loss. Tari Eason deflected Gilgeous-Alexander’s baseline jumper at the end of the first overtime, briefly extending the contest.
According to ESPN Research, Gilgeous-Alexander is only the third reigning MVP to open a season with at least 35 points, five rebounds and five assists, joining Stephen Curry (2015) and Shaquille O’Neal (2000).
“It wasn’t perfect,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “The guys just played the next play and never lost focus.” Veteran forward Alex Caruso added, “You can’t hold down great players all game.”
Gilgeous-Alexander echoed the need for improvement despite the victory. “It was ugly tonight, but I’d rather it be ugly in a win than a loss,” he said.
Source: ESPN
