Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder double-overtime win over Rockets on NBA opening night

The 2025-26 NBA season opened with a thrilling double-overtime game where the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder edged out the Houston Rockets 125-124, largely thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's clutch performance. Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA MVP, scored 35 points, including 24 in the fourth quarter and overtime, and contributed significantly with rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in 47 minutes of play. Despite a poor three-point shooting night, he was pivotal in securing the win with key free throws in the final seconds. The Thunder are now preparing for a rematch against the Indiana Pacers, with Gilgeous-Alexander expected to continue his dominant form. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, missing LeBron James due to injury, fell to the Golden State Warriors 119-109, despite Luka Dončić's 43 points. This season also marks the availability of some NBA games on Amazon Prime Video at no extra cost, increasing accessibility for fans.