Debut sent off! Durant scores 23+9, Alperen Sengun posts 39+11+7, SGA’s buzzer-beater leads Thunder to double-overtime comeback over Rockets

On October 22nd Beijing time, the NBA 2025-26 season opener featured the defending champion Thunder hosting the Rockets. The Thunder received their championship rings from last season, while Rockets newcomer Kevin Durant returned to face his former team. Thanks to Alexander’s game-winning free throws, the Rockets fell 124-125 to the Thunder in double overtime.

Statistics

Rockets: Durant 23 points and 9 rebounds, Sengun 39 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals, Amen Thompson 18 points, Adams 4 points and 13 rebounds, Jabari Smith Jr. 16 points

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 35 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, Chet Holmgren 28 points, Wallace 14 points, Mitchell 16 points

Background

This summer, besides signing Capela and Fini Smith, the Rockets also acquired Durant, who notably agreed to a $30 million pay cut to extend his contract for two more years with the new team, aiming to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy again. As last season’s champions, the Thunder received their first championship rings since relocating to Oklahoma City before the 2025-26 season opener, officially starting their title defense. Coach Daigneault expressed great respect for both the Rockets and Durant, acknowledging the tough challenge ahead and the difficulty of the opener. Additionally, Thunder’s Jalen Williams missed the game due to injury recovery.

Game Recap

After tip-off, Chet Holmgren made his first five shots, scoring 13 points and leading the Thunder to a 15-14 start. Amen Thompson and Durant combined for a 7-2 run, putting the Rockets ahead 21-17. This surge didn’t faze the defending champions as Alexander hit a precise jumper and Wiggins nailed a three-pointer, quickly regaining the lead. However, in the last 1 minute 40 seconds of the quarter, the Thunder failed to score. The Rockets, relying on Shepard and Capela, closed the quarter leading 30-27. In the second quarter, both teams engaged in a scoring frenzy, with the Rockets hitting four consecutive threes to take a 46-42 lead. Mitchell’s three-pointer couldn’t slow the Rockets’ momentum. After Durant entered, he hit three straight shots, and Sengun also scored from outside, extending the Rockets’ lead to 10 points. But Mitchell’s buzzer-beater three-point play helped the Thunder narrow the halftime gap to 51-57.

In the second half, the Rockets opened with a 6-0 run, forcing a Thunder timeout. At a crucial moment, Alexander, who had only scored 5 points in the first half, made three consecutive shots. Wallace, Wiggins, and Caruso also hit threes, tying the game at 73. After Sengun’s three-pointer, he drew a defensive foul on Holmgren and converted free throws to keep the Rockets ahead 79-75 at the end of the third quarter. In the final period, Sengun defended the Rockets’ lead with consecutive three-pointers. Alexander scored 8 points through jump shots and free throws, cutting the Thunder’s deficit to one. With 55 seconds left, Dort missed a three, but 3 seconds later, Alexander’s jump shot tied the game, leaving the Rockets just 2 seconds to respond. Sengun’s missed shot sent the game into overtime.

In overtime, Holmgren and Alexander each hit three-pointers, giving the Thunder a 110-104 lead. With 9 seconds remaining, Sengun’s dunk tied the game at 115. With 4.7 seconds left, Alexander’s jumper was blocked by Eason, pushing the contest into a second overtime.

In the second overtime, Sengun and Smith Jr. helped the Rockets regain a 3-point advantage, but Wallace quickly answered, putting the Thunder ahead 120-119. At the critical moment, Durant made a clutch and-one play. With 60 seconds left, Alexander hit a jumper, then drew a foul on Adams, making one of two free throws. With 11 seconds remaining, Sengun’s layup put the Rockets up 124-123. Durant fouled out with 2 seconds left, and after Alexander made both free throws, the Thunder secured the win.

Starting Lineups

Rockets: Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, Adams

Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Carson Wallace, Lu Dort