The Houston Rockets were part of an instant classic to open the 2025-26 NBA season on Tuesday night against defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite multiple opportunities to close out the game, the Rockets fell 125-124 in double overtime after superstar Kevin Durant fouled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with roughly two seconds left, allowing two made free throws that handed the Thunder the win.
After the game, Durant took full responsibility for the loss, putting the blame squarely on his shoulders despite a strong Rockets debut, where he scored 23 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and added three assists on 9-for-16 shooting.
“I think those two plays are the reason we lost,” Durant said, reflecting on the missed free throw at the end of regulation and the late-game foul. “I gotta knock that free throw down, I gotta stay down and be more disciplined. Those opportunities to get a stop, to seal the game, don’t come around too often. So I gotta take more advantage of those.”
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The Rockets held the lead for most of the game and managed to keep Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, largely in check through the first three quarters. However, he found his rhythm in the fourth quarter and both overtimes, finishing with 35 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Houston, despite Durant's strong performance, was powered by Alperen Şengün, who notched 39 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Amen Thompson also impressed on both ends of the floor, contributing 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal, and one block.
With the rest of the NBA tipping off their regular season on Wednesday night, Durant and the Rockets will return to action on Friday for their home opener against the Detroit Pistons.
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