Overview
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander overcame a quiet first half to hit the shot that forced overtime and then sank the deciding free throws with 2.3 seconds left in the second OT.
- Chet Holmgren opened 7-for-7 and finished with 28 points on 11-of-17 shooting, adding seven rebounds and two assists in a statement start to the season.
- Houston’s Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with 39 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in a standout duel with Holmgren.
- A local recap flagged officiating concerns, including a missed Houston timeout signal with 2.2 seconds left in the first overtime and inconsistent whistles that drew complaints from both sides.
- Foul trouble loomed as Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein fouled out and Kevin Durant finished with six, while Ajay Mitchell scored 16 off the Thunder bench and Cason Wallace hit a crucial late three.