Defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder began their title defense with a nail-biting 125-124 double-overtime victory against the visiting Houston Rockets on the opening night of the 2025-26 National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season on October 22 (Manila time) at the Paycom Center.

The festive atmosphere nearly turned frantic as the Thunder were forced to grind through two extra periods to secure the win.

Reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a superstar performance, leading the charge with 35 points, five assists, and five rebounds. 

The 27-year-old Canadian was clutch throughout the night. Down by two in the last ten seconds of regulation, Gilgeous-Alexander sank a 15-foot jump shot to tie the game at 104 and force the first overtime.

He later sealed the win by burying two clutch free throws in double-overtime after drawing a crucial foul on Kevin Durant, who fouled out with just 2.3 seconds left on the clock. Without their best late-game option, the ball found Jabari Smith Jr., whose well-defended shot from long range missed as time expired.

The new-look Rockets, however, made a valiant effort to spoil the Thunder’s celebration. Alperen Sengun had a monster performance, finishing the night with a career-high 39 points and 11 rebounds.

Sengun was also responsible for forcing the second overtime, slamming home his own offensive rebound to tie the game at 115 in the final seconds of the first extension. Durant had a stellar outing too, with 23 points and nine rebounds before fouling out.

Earlier in the evening, the Thunder received their championship rings and raised their banners before tipping off the new season. Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in the Finals last season.