Summary:
The Oklahoma City Thunder kicked off the NBA’s 80th season with a pregame celebration to honor their championship from the previous year, culminating in a banner raising. They won in a thrilling 125-124 double overtime match against the Houston Rockets, marking a strong start to their title defense. Star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who won the MVP, scored 35 points, including decisive free throws in the final moments.
Despite trailing at halftime, the Thunder rallied, with notable contributions from Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell. The Rockets, featuring Kevin Durant in his debut, put up a strong fight, but ultimately fell short. Issues arose in the game, including a controversial missed call involving Durant, which could have changed its outcome.
The Thunder celebrated their achievements from the last season, highlighting their record wins and overall team performance while acknowledging key injuries this season. Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized the importance of humility and continual improvement despite the success, reflecting on their journey and the significance of the moment.