Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder: When And Where To Watch Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder
The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder faced off on Tuesday night, October 21, 2025, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, opening the 2025–26 NBA season dramatically. The Thunder, the reigning NBA champions, edged out Houston in a double-overtime thriller, 125–124. It wasn’t just basketball, it was theater.
When and Where to Watch
You could catch the action live on NBC Sports and Peacock, with replays streaming on ESPN and highlights lighting up YouTube afterward. For Indian fans, the tip-off happened a bit early, 5:00 AM IST on October 22, a tough wake-up if you’re not a morning person but worth every bleary-eyed minute.
The Heart of the Game
This wasn’t your routine opener. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC’s hero and reigning Finals MVP, dropped 35 points, including clutch free throws in double overtime. Opposite him, Houston’s young star Alperen Sengun had the best game of his life with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. The guy was unstoppable, even making Kevin Durant look mortal for stretches.
And speaking of Durant returning to face the crowd that once idolized him, he got booed every time he touched the ball. Classic OKC energy. He took it in stride, though, even joking later that the boos “felt like home.” It’s hard not to respect that level of calm under noise.
Why It Mattered
Sure, it’s only Game 1 of 82, but this one felt bigger. For the Rockets, it showed how dangerous they can be when Sengun runs the show. For OKC, it was proof they hadn’t lost their magic. And for the rest of us it was just pure, glorious basketball chaos. The kind that reminds you why opening night still feels like Christmas.
Disclaimer:
Broadcast availability, schedules, and streaming options are subject to regional rights and network programming updates. Check local listings for the latest game coverage details.
