Overview
- The defending champions edged Houston 125-124 after two overtimes, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 35 points including a tying jumper with 2.1 seconds in regulation and the decisive free throws with 2.3 seconds in double OT.
- Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 39 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists, and Kevin Durant contributed 23 points and 9 rebounds.
- A disputed moment ended the first overtime when Houston signaled for a timeout with none remaining and officials did not assess a technical foul.
- Chet Holmgren added 28 points and 7 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which played without Jalen Williams following wrist surgery.
- Elsewhere on opening night, the Warriors defeated the Lakers 119-109 in Los Angeles with LeBron James out due to a sciatic nerve issue.