Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Double Overtime Win in NBA Title Defense Opener

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored the winning points deep into double overtime as the Oklahoma City Thunder started their NBA title defence with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets

The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated the raising of their 2024-25 NBA championship banner and received their championship rings during a highly anticipated pregame ceremony. However, the real spectacle unfolded on the court, where they battled the Houston Rockets in a thrilling double-overtime game to kick off the NBA's 80th season. The Thunder’s comeback from a 12-point halftime deficit, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 35 points, secured a narrow win and set a promising tone for their title defense. Despite a standout performance from Rockets’ Alperen Şengün, who scored 39 points, the Thunder’s resilience and clutch plays prevailed in a game marked by intense competition and a controversial missed timeout call.

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP and 2024 Finals MVP, led the Thunder with 35 points, scoring crucial free throws in the final seconds of the second overtime to clinch the victory.

• The Thunder overcame a 12-point deficit, showcasing a strong second half and overtime defense that proved critical in securing the 125-124 win over Houston.

• Rockets’ Alperen Şengün led all scorers with 39 points, including a career-high five three-pointers, while former Thunder star Kevin Durant added 23 points in his Rockets debut.

• The game featured a controversial moment late in the first overtime when Durant called a timeout despite Houston having none remaining, but officials missed the call, allowing the game to continue to a second overtime.

• The night also marked the NBA’s return to NBC broadcasting after an 8,532-day absence, adding historical significance to the thrilling opener.

---

An unforgettable ring night and banner raising ceremony

Oklahoma City Thunder fans packed the Paycom Center to witness the team’s official celebration of their 2024-25 NBA championship. Players including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jaylin Williams, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams each took part in touching the newly raised championship banner that was ceremoniously lifted into the rafters, symbolizing the franchise’s second-ever NBA title and first since relocating from Seattle in 2008.

The ceremony was full of emotion, punctuated by chants of “MVP” for Gilgeous-Alexander and warm receptions for executive Sam Presti. NBA commissioner Adam Silver greeted each champion on court as they received their diamond-studded championship rings. Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the crowd with heartfelt thanks, highlighting the pride of delivering Oklahoma City its first NBA championship.

A nail-biting comeback from the Thunder

Despite their celebration, the Thunder faced a stern test from the Houston Rockets in the opening game of the season. Trailing by 12 points late in the second half, Oklahoma City began clawing back into contention. The Rockets, led by Alperen Şengün’s 39 points and Kevin Durant’s 23, put tremendous pressure on the defending champs all night.

The Thunder’s Ajay Mitchell made a significant impact off the bench, scoring 16 points and converting a critical four-point play in the final minutes of the first half. While the Thunder struggled without injured third-team All-NBA player Jalen Williams and had a subpar three-point shooting night (25%), their defensive intensity and 21 forced turnovers allowed them to stay in the game.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s second-half dominance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to just 5 points in the first half as the Rockets focused defensive efforts on him. However, his response after halftime was legendary: 30 of his total 35 points came in the fourth quarter and the two overtime periods. His clutch plays, highlighted by a jumper with 2.6 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and two pressure free throws with 2.3 seconds remaining in double overtime, cemented his status as an elite MVP.

With teammates Chet Holmgren (28 points) and Isaiah Hartenstein fouling out late, Gilgeous-Alexander embraced his role as the go-to leader in crunch time, driving Oklahoma City to victory.

Controversy mars late first overtime: a missed timeout call

One of the most talked-about moments came late in the first overtime when Kevin Durant, under intense pressure defending the Thunder’s final possession, rebounded a missed shot and immediately called a timeout. Houston was out of timeouts, which should have resulted in a technical foul awarding the Thunder a free throw and possession. However, officials failed to notice the call, allowing the game to extend into a second overtime.

Gilgeous-Alexander downplayed the incident, noting “refs just missed it,” and emphasizing that mistakes happen, but the game ultimately came down to determination and execution on the court.

The Rockets’ formidable challenge

Houston’s roster, featuring one of the tallest starting lineups in NBA history (average height 6-foot-10) and led by rising star Şengün and veteran Durant, provided a tough matchup. The Thunder completed defensive assignments with grit and physicality, with guards Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, and Jaylin Williams taking on larger opponents effectively. Despite the Rockets’ efforts and multiple lead changes through both overtimes, Oklahoma City’s defense and poise governed the game’s final moments.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka praised Durant’s seamless fit and leadership on a team adjusting to a devastating offseason injury to star point guard Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL.

What this game means for the Thunder’s championship defense

The outcome of Tuesday’s game was a microcosm of the Thunder’s championship journey last season—a hard-fought battle showcasing resilience, teamwork, and clutch performance. Despite missing Williams due to injury, Oklahoma City’s young team demonstrated they remain a force in the NBA.

Coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the learning opportunities from such a tough contest, recognizing that the team must continue refining their game to sustain success. Gilgeous-Alexander was reflective, noting the night’s significance and the need to remain humble and work hard going forward.

Other notable NBA opening night action

Elsewhere on opening night, Luka Doncic delivered a stellar 43-point, 12-rebound, and 9-assist performance for the Los Angeles Lakers, but it was not enough to prevent a 119-109 loss at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 23 and 31 points respectively. The Lakers played without LeBron James, sidelined with sciatica.

---

Conclusion

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s opening night victory over the Houston Rockets was a thrilling spectacle that perfectly captured the blend of celebration and competition. The debut of their championship banner and rings was marked by a double-overtime classic, underscoring the team’s grit, talent, and determination. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continuing to assert himself as one of the NBA’s premier players and key contributors stepping up despite injuries, the Thunder are well positioned to defend their title in what promises to be another exciting NBA season. Meanwhile, the Rockets and other contenders are set to challenge the reigning champs, ensuring fans worldwide have much to anticipate.

Questions and answers

Q: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander game winning shot

A: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is known for his clutch performances, often delivering game-winning shots for the Oklahoma City Thunder. His ability to create scoring opportunities under pressure has made him one of the NBA's rising stars. A recent game-winning shot highlighted his skill and composure, cementing his reputation as a reliable closer in tight contests.

Q: Oklahoma City Thunder 2024 championship celebration

A: The Oklahoma City Thunder's 2024 championship celebration was a historic moment for the franchise, marking their first NBA title. Fans gathered at the Chesapeake Energy Arena and throughout Oklahoma City to celebrate the team's achievement. The players, led by standout stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, were honored with a parade and various festivities showcasing their triumph and community support.

Q: Houston Rockets vs Thunder double overtime game

A: A recent Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game went into double overtime, thrilling fans with intense back-and-forth action. Both teams demonstrated resilience and offensive prowess, extending the match beyond regulation time. The Thunder ultimately secured the win with clutch plays in the extra sessions, making it a memorable contest for NBA enthusiasts.

Q: Kevin Durant timeout controversy NBA

A: Kevin Durant was involved in an NBA timeout controversy when a critical timeout was called during a crucial moment in a playoff game, leading to debates among analysts and fans. The controversy centered around whether the timeout was officially charged to Durant or his team, affecting strategic decisions and the game's flow. This incident sparked discussions about NBA rules and timeout usage during high-pressure scenarios.

Q: 2024-25 NBA season opening night results

A: The 2024-25 NBA season opening night featured several exciting matchups, setting the tone for the new campaign. Top teams showcased their updated rosters and strategies, with standout performances by star players across the league. Fans enjoyed competitive games and high-scoring affairs, building anticipation for what promises to be an action-packed season.

Key Entities

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a Canadian professional basketball player known for his skillful play as a guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has emerged as a key player for the Thunder, showcasing strong scoring and playmaking abilities.

Oklahoma City Thunder: The Oklahoma City Thunder is an NBA team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, known for developing young talent like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The team is in a rebuilding phase, focusing on nurturing promising players to return to competitiveness.

Houston Rockets: The Houston Rockets are a professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas, competing in the NBA's Western Conference. They have a history of featuring star players, including recent notable talents like Alperen Şengün.

Alperen Şengün: Alperen Şengün is a Turkish professional basketball player who plays as a center for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. Known for his versatile skills and strong post play, Şengün is considered a rising talent in the league.

Kevin Durant: Kevin Durant is an American professional basketball player widely regarded for his scoring ability and multiple NBA championships. Durant played for the Oklahoma City Thunder early in his career before moving on to other teams in the league.

External articles

• Thunder open title defense with 125-124 double-OT win ...
• Thunder begin title defence with overtime win
• Thunder win in double OT after raising banner while ...

Articles in same category

• 2025-26 NBA Season Broadcasts: NBC Returns, Amazon Debuts & Enhanced Viewing
• Christian Braun Agrees to $125M, 5-Year Extension with Denver Nuggets
• NBA 2025-26 Season: $76 Billion Media Deal, Franchise Growth & Rising Stars

YouTube Video

Title: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sends Oklahoma City Thunder to overtime against Houston Rockets
URL: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/odauZXPvceQ