The Oklahoma City Thunder is hosting the Houston Rockets on NBA opening night at Paycom Center. Follow live updates.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander saved the best for last as he led the Thunder to an opening night win against the Rockets.

Talk about a finish. Heart rates were at all-time highs. People lost a few strands of hair. The Oklahoma City Thunder survived with a 125-124 double overtime win over the Houston Rockets. NBC couldn't have asked for a more exciting outcome for its 2025-26 Opening Night.

The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with an opening doubleheader featuring the Thunder-Rockets and Lakers-Warriors. Here's the TV schedule and game times.

The Thunder held a ring ceremony to celebrate their victory in the 2025 NBA Finals before the opening tip, but the Rockets hoped to play spoiler. In a gritty, dramatic and controversial double overtime game, the Rockets came up just short, falling 125-124.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with an efficient 35 points. Chet Holmgren stepped up for 28 points and seven rebounds. Cason Wallace had 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Ajay Mitchell scored 16 points off the bench.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter and overtimes, including drawing a foul on Kevin Durant with 2.3 seconds left in double overtime, which led to the game-winning free throws and a 125-125 Thunder win in an opening night instant classic (and the NBA’s return to NBC and its debut on Peacock ).

The Houston Rockets have a promising roster, and surprisingly, the starting lineup made history as all of them bring size above 6 ft.

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The Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder put together a memorable opening night. NBA fans got a glimpse of what Alperen Sengun is bringing to the table