Thunder Beat Rockets 125-124 in Double OT

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened the 2025-26 season with a 125-124 double-overtime win over the Houston Rockets, powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s late takeover and a big night from Chet Holmgren. In Houston’s debut, Kevin Durant scored 23 points and Alperen Şengün had 39 points and 11 rebounds. Oklahoma City’s defense forced 22 turnovers and used disruptive perimeter play from Cason Wallace and others to cover early offensive struggles. All-Star wing Jalen Williams remains sidelined after offseason right-wrist surgery and has been ruled out of early games while his recovery is ramped up; Thomas Sorber remains out for the season and Nikola Topic, Isaiah Joe and Kenrich Williams are also sidelined. The club announced Alex Caruso entered concussion protocol after opening night and Lu Dort and Cason Wallace are listed as questionable for the upcoming road game, making depth a crucial factor in the Thunder’s title defense.