• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 of his 35 points in fourth quarter and overtimes to lead defending champs
  • OKC’s defense forced 21 turnovers and dominated transition despite shooting just 25% from three-point range
  • Thunder win opening night classic 125-124 after Gilgeous-Alexander draws foul on Kevin Durant with 2.3 seconds left

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (TDR) — The Oklahoma City Thunder stuck to their championship-winning formula Tuesday night, relying on suffocating defense and clutch plays from reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to edge the Houston Rockets 125-124 in a double-overtime thriller on opening night. The victory came despite OKC shooting a dismal 25% from beyond the arc, proving the defending champions can win ugly when their offense goes cold.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored just 11 points through three quarters before erupting for 24 in the fourth quarter and two overtime periods. He sealed the victory by drawing a foul on Kevin Durant with 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime, calmly sinking both free throws to give Oklahoma City its first win since receiving championship rings in a pregame ceremony.

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Defense carries Thunder through shooting struggles

The Thunder forced 21 turnovers and converted those mistakes into a decisive 16-2 advantage in transition points. Coach Mark Daigneault‘s squad recorded 11 steals while limiting Houston despite the Rockets’ supersized lineup dominating the glass 51-39.

“Grit, determination and defense,” Gilgeous-Alexander said on the NBC broadcast. “We know when we do it down there on that end we give ourselves a chance no matter what’s going on.”

Cason Wallace, starting in place of injured All-NBA wing Jalen Williams, provided crucial defensive energy with four steals and 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting. Alex Caruso and Lu Dort made life difficult for Houston’s perimeter players, keeping OKC within striking distance during extended offensive droughts.

Holmgren keeps Thunder afloat early

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Chet Holmgren scored 18 of his 28 points in the first half, including 11 of Oklahoma City’s first 13 points. The 7-foot-1 center kept the Thunder competitive while Gilgeous-Alexander struggled against Houston’s physical defense that held him to just five first-half points.

The Rockets, led by Alperen Sengun‘s game-high 39 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, controlled the game for long stretches. Sengun hit a career-high five three-pointers on eight attempts and appeared to deliver the game-winning layup with 11 seconds left in the second overtime to give Houston a 124-123 lead.

But Gilgeous-Alexander responded by drawing a foul on Durant’s pump-fake, who fouled out with his sixth personal. The reigning MVP finished 10-of-14 from the free-throw line, extending his streak to 73 consecutive 20-point games.

Familiar playoff formula emerges

Oklahoma City’s opening night performance mirrored several contests from the 2025 postseason when the Thunder struggled from three-point range but survived on defensive intensity. OKC shot just 13-of-52 from beyond the arc but compensated by outscoring Houston 50-44 in the paint and 36-24 off the bench.

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The game marked the sixth opening night contest to reach double overtime and the first decided by a single point in more than 20 years. The thriller featured 22 lead changes and 12 ties as the teams battled through 58 minutes of action.

“We did enough defensively to get a win,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “First win of the season, we were pretty rusty, but it’s a good start.”

Durant finished with 23 points and nine rebounds in his Rockets debut but heard loud boos from the Oklahoma City crowd throughout the night. Amen Thompson added 18 points for Houston before leaving midway through the first overtime with leg cramps.

The Thunder will look to get healthier as Williams, sharpshooter Isaiah Joe and rookie Nikola Topic work their way back from injuries.

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Can the Thunder repeat as champions if their three-point shooting remains this inconsistent?

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