Thunder Edge Rockets in Overtime on NBA Opening Night

The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Houston Rockets 134-129 in overtime tonight, marking a thrilling start to the 2025 NBA season.

The game, played on October 21, 2025, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, saw a back-and-forth battle with multiple lead changes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, while Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 32. The Rockets, featuring Kevin Durant in his debut with the team, struggled to close out the game in regulation, ultimately falling short in the extra period. This game is the first of many that will determine playoff seeding in the competitive Western Conference.

The contest was closely contested throughout, with neither team able to establish a significant advantage. Durant finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds, but his performance wasn’t enough to secure a win for Houston. “It was a tough loss, but we’ll learn from it,” said Rockets coach Ime Udoka after the game. For a deeper dive into team statistics and player performance, visit NBA.com.

The Thunder’s victory sets an early tone for their season, while the Rockets will look to bounce back in their next game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA season continues tomorrow with several other key matchups, including the Warriors versus the Celtics – you can find the full schedule here.

Team officials stated they will review game film and focus on improving defensive rotations before their next contest.