Oklahoma City couldn’t have scripted a better start to its title defense. The Thunder gave fans everything they could’ve asked for Tuesday night inside Paycom Center, a ring ceremony, a championship banner unveiling, and a 125–124 double-overtime win over former star Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets.

A Night to Remember

The atmosphere was electric from the moment the championship banner began to rise. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the reigning league MVP and scoring champion, admitted it was “surreal… an amazing moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

After a slow first half that saw him score just five points, SGA finished with 35, including the game-winning free throws with 2.3 seconds left. Durant fouled out on the play, sending the crowd into a frenzy as Oklahoma City closed out its first win of the new season.

“Kevin definitely called timeout about three times,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of a missed call earlier in the game. “But that’s life, you make mistakes and move on. I’d rather be ugly in a win than in a loss.”

Resilience After the Rings

Head coach Mark Daigneault said he was proud of how his team handled the night’s emotions.

“I’m glad the guys enjoyed the ceremony, it’s a great life event,” Daigneault said. “But they also compartmentalized really well. We got back in character in the second half.”

Chet Holmgren, eager to start Year 2, delivered 28 points and helped carry OKC early. Ajay Mitchell provided timely scoring off the bench, and the Thunder used full-court pressure in the second half to change the pace against Houston’s size.

Lou Dort again drew the toughest defensive assignment, holding Durant in check for stretches. “Lou’s amazing,” Daigneault said. “He makes you earn everything.”

The Moment That Mattered

Down 124-123 in the second overtime, Gilgeous-Alexander looked for a sliver of daylight before drawing Durant’s sixth foul. Both free throws were pure. Jabari Smith Jr.’s jumper at the buzzer rimmed out, sealing the win.

“It’s a game of chess,” SGA said. “You just look for space, take what’s there, and trust your work.”

Lessons and the Road Ahead

Oklahoma City now heads out for a three-game road trip beginning Thursday in Indianapolis, the same city where they played for a title last June.

Daigneault called the opener “a great starting point.” Gilgeous-Alexander echoed that sentiment: “We need to get better. It was ugly tonight, but that’s okay. We’ll use it as a learning experience and we’ll be better.”

Final: Thunder 125, Rockets 124 (2OT)

Top Performers:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 35 PTS, 47 MINChet Holmgren — 28 PTS, 9 REBAlperen Şengün — 39 PTS (HOU)

The banner is up. The rings are on. And the Thunder’s quest to repeat has officially begun.