Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drops 35 points as Thunder edge Rockets in season-opening thriller

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points and nailed the game-winning free throws in the final seconds as the Oklahoma City Thunder opened their NBA title defense with a thrilling 125-124 triple-overtime victory against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday. The reigning NBA and NBA Finals MVP drew a crucial foul with 2.3 seconds remaining before calmly sinking both free throws to seal the win over a Rockets team bolstered by new additions Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun.


Earlier in the evening, the Thunder celebrated their first NBA championship by presenting players with diamond-encrusted rings, marking the franchise’s historic title. Yet, despite the festivities, the Rockets pushed Oklahoma City to the limit, with Sengun and Durant keeping Houston in control for long stretches.



"Grit, determination and defense," Gilgeous-Alexander said when summarising the victory. "We know that when we do it on defense, we give ourselves a chance no matter what’s going on - makes, misses, good luck, or bad luck. We did enough defense tonight to get the win. We’re pretty rusty, but it’s a good start."


Gilgeous-Alexander received strong support from Chet Holmgren, who contributed 28 points, while Ajay Mitchell added 16 off the bench, including three three-pointers. Turkish star Sengun led Houston with 39 points, hitting five three-pointers, and Durant added 23 in his first season with the Rockets after joining from the Phoenix Suns.

The Thunder overcame a 12-point third-quarter deficit to rally late in the fourth, with Durant giving Houston a 104-102 lead before Gilgeous-Alexander’s pull-up with three seconds remaining tied the game and sent it into overtime. The see-saw battle featured 22 lead changes, with Gilgeous-Alexander ultimately drawing the decisive foul from Durant in the final overtime to convert the winning free throws.