NBA fans couldn’t have expected more than what the 2025-26 season opener provided.
Behind clutch baskets – and free throws – from the MVP Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderThe oklahoma city thunder lasted longer than Houston Rockets In double overtime… on ring night… against a former franchise icon Kevin DurantKD’s new squad looked strong, however, showing the defense that they had another challenge in the loaded Western Conference.
If we talk about the West Golden State Warriors And Los Angeles Lakers Opening night is about to end. luka doncic Debut for his first full season with the Lakers – however, it would be without Lebron JamesWho will be absent for three or four weeks due to sciatica.
As we kick off the NBA’s 80th season, here are highlights from the opening night games as well as post-game highlights from our ESPN insiders.
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Highlights of the Warriors at Lakers
SGA has no catch limit
The scoring title was sweet. MVP was a huge accomplishment.
But what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander He wants to be remembered as one of the NBA’s all-time winners.
On a night that celebrated the first big step on that journey – seeing the 2024-25 championship banner waved from the Paycom Center rafters – Gilgeous-Alexander displayed the remarkable blend of composure and skill that gives him the chance to accomplish all of his lofty goals.
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Thunder, Rockets open NBA season with 2OT thriller
The Thunder capped off Ring Night with a hard-fought win over the Rockets in double overtime.
Nothing came easy for Gilgeous-Alexander against a huge Houston team with the brutal defense of one of the NBA’s best perimeter stoppers. Amen ThompsonA difficult task becomes even more difficult with a co-star jalen williams (Wrist) had to wear a black leather trench coat while watching from the bench. Double teams came early and often to Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gilgeous-Alexander waited patiently as he had five points in the first half, fewer than any of his halftime totals last season. At the end of the third quarter they had only 11 runs.
Gilgeous-Alexander then took over to put the Thunder in position to win. He had a dozen points in the fourth quarter, including some tough clutch pull-ups, including the last one on Thompson that tied the score with seconds remaining.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points, along with five rebounds, five assists, two steals, two blocks and several key plays that did not appear in the box score. He hit the game-winning free throw after batting Kevin DurantFormer Thunder great who has drawn the wrath of the OKC crowd by pump-faking fouls since leaving.
And Gilgeous-Alexander once again emerged victorious.
–Tim McMahon
With Sengun at the helm, Houston’s massive lineup looks promising
alperen sengun Thriving in his expanded role as an offensive engine for the Rockets, hitting a career-high five 3-pointers while becoming just the second player in franchise history to open a season with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists on multiple occasions. The fourth-year veteran played most of Houston’s offense in the loss at OKC, scoring a game-high 39 points with 11 rebounds and a team-best seven assists in leading a starting unit that had an average height of 82.2 inches – the tallest starting group in an opener since starters were first tracked in 1970–71, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The Rockets are expected to continue experimenting with this lineup, which featured Thompson and Kevin Durant at guard. Jabari Smith Jr.And sengun on wings and steven adams In the centre. The offense was still a work in progress, but Houston limited OKC’s starters to 2 of 22 from deep in regulation.
–Michael C. Wright
Amen Thompson is a problem, but he’s a 3-point jumper…
Thompson’s development has been one of the most important NBA storylines this season, and the opener showcased the highest of highs and lowest of lows for the young guard, before leaving the game in overtime with an apparent injury.
On the positive side, Thompson was the primary defender keeping Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in check for most of the night – Gilgeous-Alexander was more comfortable attacking every Rockets defender except Thompson – and he shot 8-for-10 on 2-pointers. Thompson is so sharp on his drives and strong fighting through contact that he looks almost unstoppable at the rim.
But the downside is that the most important number for Houston on Tuesday was zero. That is, zero made 3-pointers from Thompson, who shot 0 for 7 from distance with several ugly misses. Opposing defenses will happily give Thompson all the open 3s he wants, as he made only 14% as a rookie and 27% as a sophomore.
Thompson is a valuable player regardless of his 3-point percentage, but if he can’t make meaningful improvement from distance, Houston’s offense could remain tight all season long. This one figure could determine the Rockets’ ceiling height as potential championship contenders.
– Zack Cram
