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Live Updates: Thunder win a 'classic' double overtime thriller

Follow along with the best of Rockets-Thunder as the NBA returns to NBC and Peacock.

Ben Lambert, for NBA.com

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took over late to lift the Oklahoma City Thunder to an opening night victory over the Houston Rockets as the NBA returned to NBC and Peacock.

Welcome to the 2025-26 NBA season! The Thunder defeated the Rockets in a double overtime thriller to tip off the NBA’s return to NBC and Peacock, led by reigning Kia MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Follow along with NBA.com’s live blog of all the action!

We’re here tonight and throughout the season, sharing highlights, observations, news and notes, making sure you’re getting all the best the NBA has to offer.

10:59 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Thunder earn a marathon victory on ring night

It took two overtimes. Kevin Durant and Chet Holmgren fouled out. But the Thunder, defending champions, stood tall in front of their home crowd on opening night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 35 points, including 24 in the fourth quarter and the overtime periods, as their defense forced 21 turnovers and eventually wore down the Houston Rockets to take the 125-124 win.

SGA gave the Thunder the lead with 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, knocking down two clutch free throws after fouling out Durant by winning a one-on-one battle and drawing a foul on the legendary forward.

Jabari Smith Jr. had a chance at a turnaround three to win it at the buzzer, but couldn’t convert.

“Grit, determination and defense. We know when we do it down there on that end, we give ourselves a chance on any night, no matter what’s going on,” said SGA after the victory. “Makes, misses, bad luck, good luck — it doesn’t matter.”

Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 39 points, adding 11 rebounds and 7 assists. He became the first player in NBA history to tally 35 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 three-pointers in a season opener.

“If they’re all going to be like that, it’s going to be a heck of a season,” said Mike Tirico.

10:54 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

“What a classic opening night”

Mike Tirico summed it up as the Rockets and Thunder battle down the stretch on NBC. Who will take control as the final seconds wind down?

10:39 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Double overtime in Oklahoma City

The Rockets and Thunder are vying for control tonight in Oklahoma City. We’ve got double OT in the first game of the 2025-26 NBA season!

10:36 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

A statement from the reigning Kia MVP

The game is tied at 115 with 4.7 seconds remaining in overtime after Alperen Sengun (35 points) delivered with a putback layup.

He’s gone toe-to-toe with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been a force late in this dramatic contest.

 

10:27 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Go inside the Paycom Center as SGA delivers

The superstar guard is taking over late as the NBA returns to NBC and Peacock.

10:15 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Shai sends it to overtime

What a way to start the season.

10:11 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

SGA gives the Thunder the lead late

Ice in the veins of the reigning Kia MVP.

10:03 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

The stars show up in clutch time

9:54 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Sengun shows the sweet stroke

As we move past the halfway point of the fourth quarter, Alperen Sengun has 28 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists to lead Houston.

9:39 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Aaron Wiggins soars as Thunder keep it close

Entering the fourth quarter, the Rockets lead 79-75. Aaron Wiggins forcefully diminished that lead a moment ago.

9:27 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Luka Dončić warms up in Los Angeles

Game two of our opening night doubleheader will tip off on NBC and Peacock after the conclusion of Thunder-Rockets. Stay tuned!

9:20 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Houston lock in with zone defense, Thunder respond

The Rockets shifted to a 2-3 zone in the second half, giving the Thunder trouble behind the ball-hawking defense of Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr.

But the Thunder have responded with 4:33 left in the third quarter, cutting the Houston lead to four points.

Alex Caruso contributed to their comeback with some ball-hawking of his own.

8:52 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Rockets lead at the half

Houston leads 57-51 at the half in Oklahoma City.

Kevin Durant is their top scorer, dropping 14 points — including this smooth jumper — while Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun have 10 apiece.

It’s been a back-and-forth affair. So far, there have been 13 lead change and seven ties, as these two Western Conference powers battle to open the 2025-26 NBA season.

8:49 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Few bigs can run the floor like Chet

The Thunder big man leads all scorers at the half with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting.

8:24 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Kevin Durant stretches out

Check out this signature pull up jumper by the legendary scorer.

8:13 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Bigger in Texas

The Rockets’ sky-scraping starting lineup set a new standard for height in the NBA.

8:11 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

SGA gets his first basket of 2025-26

The Thunder star opens his account for the season with a trademark slashing drive.

7:52 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

In Los Angeles, Steph arrives for year 17

7:45 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

The season is underway in Oklahoma City

Chet Holmgren opened the scoring in the 2025-26 NBA season with an and-1 finish over Jabari Smith Jr.

He kept the energy rolling, scoring 11 of the first 13 points for Oklahoma City.

Kevin Durant responded with a thunderous slam for his first points of the season.

7:22 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

OKC celebrates as a banner is raised to the rafters

“The love has been unconditional,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said to the crowd before the 2024-25 championship banner was raised to the rafters. “We will never forget you guys.”

As the banner made its way skyward, the crowd in the Paycom Center celebrated the first NBA Championship in franchise and state history, chanting “OKC! OKC!”

“That made it feel a lot more real,” said Jalen Williams. “It’s a very special moment for everybody in here… I would cut my hand off to win another one.”

Williams said the Thunder want to run it back, celebrating their first title victory along the way.

Will they? Tune in to the 2025-26 NBA season to find out.

7:14 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

The Thunder receive their championship rings

Fans are roaring their approval as each member of the 2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder strides forward to receive their championship ring.

“Luuuuuuu” for Lugnentz Dort; raucous “MVP! MVP!” chants for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

It’s a party in Oklahoma City tonight.

7:00 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

How to watch: Rockets-Thunder and Warriors-Lakers

The broadcasts are available for international viewers via the NBA App and NBA League Pass.

6:38 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Shai gets loose

6:30 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Cue up “Roundball Rock”

5:30 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

A star-studded doubleheader

We’re tipping off the 2025-26 NBA season with a doubleheader on NBC and Peacock that’s packed with intrigue.

In the opening contest, last year’s Kia NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will be presented with their championship rings before facing former franchise cornerstone Kevin Durant and the new-look Houston Rockets, who are looking to build on a 52-win campaign.

In the nightcap, iconic Western Conference rivals will tip off their quests for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, as Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors face Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James is inactive tonight (sciatica).

5:15 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

Kevin Durant returns to Oklahoma City

15-time All-Star Kevin Durant, who signed a two-year extension with Houston on Monday, returns to Oklahoma City this evening to tip off the season.

Shaun Powell caught up with Durant ahead of tonight’s action, getting his thoughts on returning to Oklahoma City and continuing his historic career.

Durant scored 17,566 of his NBA points with the Thunder, rising to third on the franchise’s all-time scoring list. He’s now ready to put his legendary touch to work for the Houston Rockets.

Durant faces superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who stands at sixth on the OKC scoring list with 10,405 points, and the Thunder.

Jeff Green and Steven Adams, both Thunder stalwarts-turned-Rockets, are also back in Oklahoma City tonight.

5:00 PM / OCTOBER 21, 2025

The NBA is back tonight!

We’re about to begin the 2025-26 NBA season! Lock in and get excited for tonight’s games.

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