When Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, point guard of Oklahoma City Thunder hit a clutch free throw with 2.3 seconds left, the arena erupted. The double overtime battle unfolded on Oct 21 2025 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, marking the opening night of the 2025‑26 NBA seasonUnited States. The Thunder edged the Houston Rockets 125‑124 after two extra periods, delivering fans a night they’ll talk about for weeks.
- Date: October 21, 2025
- Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City (capacity 18,203)
- Final Score: Thunder 125, Rockets 124
- Attendance: 18,203 (sold‑out)
- Key performers: Gilgeous‑Alexander (35 pts), Chet Holmgren, power forward of Oklahoma City Thunder (28 pts), Alperen Şengün, center of Houston Rockets (39 pts)
Opening Night Context
The NBA kicked off its 82‑game regular season schedule with a marquee matchup that pitted two young franchises against each other. The Thunder, coming off a rebuilding stretch, entered the night with a 0‑0 record, hoping to set a tone for the next six years of their rebuild. The Rockets, meanwhile, were looking to redeem a disappointing 2024‑25 campaign that ended without a playoff appearance. Both teams had already announced ambitious roster moves during the offseason, making the game a litmus test for their new lineups.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
From the opening tip‑off, the game resembled a chess match. Early on, Alperen Şengün, center of Houston Rockets established his presence in the paint, finishing with a career‑high 39 points and 11 rebounds. He knocked down a mix of post moves and mid‑range jumpers, keeping Houston within striking distance throughout regulation.
On the Thunder side, Chet Holmgren, power forward of Oklahoma City Thunder dazzled with a 66 % field‑goal conversion (28‑42), including a pair of made threes that stretched the floor. His defensive versatility was evident as he altered multiple shots and secured seven rebounds before fouling out in the first overtime.
Both squads shot impressively from three: the Thunder made 12 of 31 attempts, while the Rockets answered with 15 of 33. Turnovers were high on both sides (18 each), a reflection of the frantic pace and the pressure of an opening‑night audience.
Clutch Moments and the Final Seconds
Regulation ended tied at 104‑104 thanks to a last‑second three from Gilgeous‑Alexander that clipped the rim and bounced in. The Rockets answered with a jab from Jabari Smith Jr., power forward of Houston Rockets to retake the lead, but the Thunder forced a missed free throw and tied it again before the first overtime.
The first extra period saw the Thunder surge ahead, only for the Rockets to claw back and send the game to a second overtime. At the 2:02 mark of the second extra frame, Kevin Durant, forward (visiting as a former teammate of Gilgeous‑Alexander) stepped in and inadvertently fouled the Thunder guard with 2.3 seconds left. Gilgeous‑Alexander calmly sank both free throws, sealing a one‑point margin.
“I trusted my teammate’s decision to drive,” Gilgeous‑Alexander said in the post‑game interview. “When the whistle blew, I just focused on the routine I’ve practiced all year.”
Reactions from Players and Coaches
The Thunder’s head coach, Mark Daigneault, praised his young core: “We showed resilience. Two overtimes test anyone’s stamina, but our guys kept believing. Chet’s energy and Shai’s poise were the difference.”
Rockets’ coach Ime Udoka remained optimistic despite the loss. “Alperen was phenomenal; we were within a bucket the entire night. It’s a learning experience, and we’ll use this as fuel for the next games,” he noted.
Veteran guard Eric Gordon of the Rockets added, “We missed a few free throws at the end. The kid (Gilgeous‑Alexander) did his job. We have to tighten up in the clutch.”
What This Means for Both Teams
For Oklahoma City, starting the season 1‑0 is more than a morale boost; it validates the front office’s gamble on retaining Holmgren and building around Gilgeous‑Alexander. Statistically, the Thunder posted a 48.7 % field‑goal percentage and outrebounded the Rockets on the offensive glass (15 vs. 12), indicating a balanced attack that could sustain a playoff run if the defense tightens up.
Houston, on the other hand, drops to 0‑1 but can take pride in Şengün’s breakout performance. His 39 points rank among the highest single‑game totals for a rookie in franchise history. If the Rockets can translate his inside dominance into a more consistent perimeter defense, they could still vie for a mid‑season turnaround.
Both clubs now face a short road trip. The Thunder travel to host the Dallas Mavericks on Oct 23, while the Rockets head to the Toyota Center to meet the San Antonio Spurs on Oct 24. Those games will serve as early barometers for whether the opening‑night drama was a fluke or a glimpse of the season’s narrative arc.
Key Takeaways
- Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander delivered 35 points and the final free throws.
- Chet Holmgren’s 28‑point night kept Oklahoma City afloat.
- Alperen Şengün’s 39 points marked a career high.
- The game featured 2 overtimes, 2 hours 48 minutes of play, and a sell‑out crowd.
- Both teams posted near‑identical shooting percentages, underscoring the fine margins that decided the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Thunder secure the win in the final seconds?
With 2.3 seconds left in double overtime, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander was fouled by Kevin Durant. He calmly sank both free throws, giving Oklahoma City a one‑point edge that the Rockets couldn’t overturn.
What does Alperen Şengün’s 39‑point performance mean for the Rockets?
Şengün’s scoring surge signals his emerging role as the Rockets’ primary interior threat. If he maintains this level, he could become the focal point of Houston’s offense and a key factor in their playoff hopes.
Which stats highlight the Thunder’s overall efficiency?
Oklahoma City shot 48.7 % from the field, grabbed 15 offensive rebounds, and limited Houston to 12 second‑chance points. Those metrics show a balanced attack that can compete with any team.
When and where is the Thunder’s next game?
The Thunder host the Dallas Mavericks on Oct 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM CDT in the Paycom Center, looking to build on their opening‑night triumph.
How does this game compare to previous opening‑night contests?
A double‑overtime opener is rare; the last time an opening night went beyond a single overtime was in 2017 when the Warriors beat the Celtics. The 125‑124 score also ranks among the highest‑scoring season‑openers in NBA history.
Shashikiran B V
October 23, 2025 AT 19:35Ever notice how the NBA’s schedule always lines up with the stock market’s quarter ends? It’s like the league is a front for a hidden cabal that moves billions in bets behind the scenes. The double‑OT opener was obviously fed to keep viewership numbers high for advertisers who love drama. Gilgeous‑Alexander’s clutch free throws were probably pre‑programmed in a data‑driven algorithm. If you look closely, the timing of the “sell‑out” crowd aligns with a surge in crypto betting platforms – classic sign of manipulation.