A ring and banner ceremony. Double overtime. NBA on NBC's return. The NBA is truly back.

In the first game of the 2025-26 regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder outlasted the Houston Rockets 125-124 in a contest that needed the dying seconds of double overtime to be decided.

Houston had the last chance when Jabari Smith Jr. attempted a tough turnaround jumper from the left corner, but it didn't come close.

THE THUNDER OUTLAST THE ROCKETS IN AN EPIC OPENING NIGHT GAME!

What a way to welcome back the NBA on NBC and Peacock. pic.twitter.com/4md8BvuFBF — NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 22, 2025

Reigning league MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't enjoy a positive start, but grew into the game as the quarters progressed and showed why he won what he did la

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