The Oklahoma City Thunder opened their title defense in gripping fashion with a 125-124 win in double overtime against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Prior to tip-off, the Thunder raised their championship banner and received rings commemorating their first-ever NBA title. The victory came after a seesaw battle in which Houston built a 12-point second-half lead, only for Oklahoma City to rally back behind stars Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander (35 points) and Chet Holmgren (28 points) to force and ultimately win in extra time.On Houston’s side, Alperen Şengün erupted for 39 points and 11 boards, and Kevin Durant made his Rockets debut with 23 points and 9 rebounds—though his sixth foul late in the second OT ended his night. In the climactic moment, Gilgeous-Alexander drew the critical foul with 2.3 seconds remaining, sank two free throws to put Oklahoma City ahead, and Houston’s final attempt rimmed out as the Thunder held on