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Thrillers Define NBA Tipoff: Thunder Edge Rockets in 2OT, Warriors Down Lakers, Wembanyama Dominates as Shai Drops 55 in Encore

Star turns set a tight early tone, with a disputed timeout and key absences shaping perception of the season’s first slate.

Overview

  • Oklahoma City raised its first championship banner, then beat Houston 125-124 in double overtime as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit two free throws with 2.3 seconds left and finished with 35 points.
  • A late sequence drew scrutiny when Kevin Durant appeared to seek a timeout the Rockets did not have after a rebound in overtime, yet play continued into a second extra period.
  • Golden State opened with a 119-109 road win over the Lakers behind 31 points from Jimmy Butler and 23 from Stephen Curry, with Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield supplying key perimeter shooting.
  • Luka Dončić scored 43 points with 12 rebounds and nine assists in his Lakers debut, while LeBron James sat out the opener due to a sciatic/back issue and is expected to be out until mid-November.
  • Victor Wembanyama powered San Antonio’s 125-92 opener over Dallas with 40 points and 15 rebounds, and Gilgeous-Alexander followed ring night by scoring 55 in a second overtime win against Indiana.