The NBA is officially back with the 2025–26 season, and what a first day it was. It was ring night for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets debut, and a marquee matinee featuring two of the league’s most popular franchises.
Thunder Slips by Rockets in Double Overtime
The Oklahoma City Thunder received their championship rings on the 2025–26 NBA season opener, and then they got tested right away by the Houston Rockets at Paycom Center.
But the Thunder, led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, responded like the champs they are, surviving the Rockets, 125–124, in a thrilling opening to the season. SGA, who’s also the reigning Finals MVP, fired 35 points on top of 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in another brilliant effort. He also hit the jumper that sent the game to overtime as well as the game-winning free throws. Chet Holmgren added 28 points and 7 rebounds, while Cason Wallace had 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Forward Jalen Williams, who is still recovering from hand surgery, missed the game.
Alperen Sengun carried the Rockets with 39 big points to go along with his 11 rebounds and 7 assists. Durant, himself a two-time champion, had 23 points and 9 rebounds in his Houston debut. Amen Thompson added 18 points and 5 assists but appeared to have hurt his leg in the fourth quarter.
Warriors Overcome Lakers in Matinee Matchup
The Golden State Warriors got their season off to a great start with a 119–109 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center, thanks in part to a strong third quarter that saw the Dubs outscore the Purple and Gold, 35–25.
Jimmy Butler top-scored for Golden State with 31 points on a perfect 16-for-16 from the charity stripe. He also had 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Stephen Curry added 23 markers to go along with his 4 assists and 3 steals. Jonathan Kuminga, who was locked in a long contract negotiation with the Warriors during the offseason, had 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Buddy Hield chipped in 17 off the bench.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves did the heavy lifting for the Lakers, with Doncic going off for 43 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, and Reaves putting up 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 dimes.
