Kevin Durant's tremendous mistake that gave the Thunder the win against the Rockets in the NBA 2025/26 season opener

Wonderful debut of the 2025/26 NBA season with Oklahoma City Thunder triumphing over Houston Rockets by 125-124 in a beautiful duel that was decided in two overtimes.

The MVP of the previous season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, was the best of his team with 35 points (12 of 26 field goals) and was well accompanied by Chet Holmgren who seems to be making a leap forward (28 points). In the Rockets, a great performance from Alperen Sengun who was scary with 39 points. Kevin Durant made his debut with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists with his new team.

The great curiosity of the duel

The game could have been resolved before the two overtimes if the referees had paid more attention to Kevin Durant at the end of the first. 

On the last possession of the first overtime, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander saw his shot attempt blocked by Tari Eason, and the ball fell into Durant's hands, who was making his debut with Houston. In the final seconds, KD tried to call a timeout, but the Rockets had none left.

According to the rules, that should have resulted in a technical foul, giving Oklahoma City a free throw and possession, nearly securing their victory. However, the referees did not penalize the action claiming that none had recognized Durant's request, leading the game to a second overtime amidst protests from the local crowd. The Thunder eventually took the victory after KD fouled Shai on the last possession of the duel. A colossal mistake, 2 free throws for the MVP, and a win for OKC. Kevin Durant had a modest debut in Houston. 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El tremendo error de Kevin Durant que le ha dado la victoria a los Thunder ante los Rockets en el estreno NBA 2025/26