Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made two free throws with 2.3 seconds left in 2 OTs as the Thunder opened its NBA title defense with a 125-124 win against the Rockets.

The Rockets and Thunder may have just given us the best season opener in NBA history. Houston controlled most of regulation, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got hot in the fourth quarter to send the game to overtime.

First, the Thunder played a double-overtime thriller against the new-look Houston Rockets, holding on to win 125-124 in an instant classic. And in California, the LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers lost their home opener 119-109 to the Golden State Warriors.

From Michael Jordan to Mike Tirico and Roundball Rock, NBC showed the impact it will have on NBA games this season.

Last season, the Turkish national was named in the All-Star squad for the first time in his career behind averages of 19.1 points on 49.6% shooting, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals. Sengun was pivotal in Houston finishing with a 52-30 record in the regular season for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

But perhaps the most sure sign that professional basketball is back in bulk is the first Draymond Green technical foul of fall. That came less than seven minutes into Golden State's victory over Los Angeles as the veteran forward took issue with an officiating decision from his perch on the Warriors bench.

After four seasons with the Heat, James returned to the Cavs for four more season-openers before signing with the Lakers in 2018. He opened the 2018-19 season and made his Lakers debut by scoring 26 points in a loss at the Portland Trail Blazers.

What a night to open up the 2025-26 NBA season. The league saw the thrilling Ravens at Bills Week 1 spotlight matchup in the NFL and said, “We will raise you Rockets at Thunder, banner night for the first-time championship organization,

An exciting two-game slate on Tuesday night kicked off the 2025-26 NBA season, but NBA fans and bettors get a full introduction to the season on Wednesday, Oct.