Oklahoma City Thunder fans were treated to a memorable evening on Tuesday as their team raised a championship banner and secured a dramatic 125-124 double-overtime victory over the Houston Rockets. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sank two free throws with 2.3 seconds left in the second extra period to seal the win, finishing with 35 points after a slow start.
The game was marked by intense emotions aimed at former Thunder star Kevin Durant, who was booed throughout his return. Durant, traded to Houston in the offseason, recorded 23 points and nine rebounds but fouled out in the second overtime after committing the foul on Gilgeous-Alexander. Chet Holmgren contributed 28 points and seven rebounds for Oklahoma City, while Alperen Şengün led the Rockets with 39 points and 11 rebounds.
In the first overtime, with the score tied at 115, Durant grabbed a rebound after Gilgeous-Alexander missed and attempted to call a timeout, but the Rockets had none remaining. Oklahoma City appealed to officials in vain, forcing a second extra period.
Elsewhere, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-109 in both teams' season opener. Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and Stephen Curry added 23 as the Warriors overcame a 43-point performance from Luka Dončić, who had 12 rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers. LeBron James missed the game due to sciatica and is expected to be sidelined until mid-November.
The Thunder will visit the Indiana Pacers on Thursday in a rematch of last season's NBA finals, which Oklahoma City won in seven games.
