The NBA’s opening night delivered exactly what fans hoped for. The presence of Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic on the court guaranteed a thrilling start to the new season.
The first matchup featured the Houston Rockets against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant focused entirely on the game after receiving heavy boos from his former fans. He set his sights on challenging his old team and fighting for the win.
Tension, drama and clutch moments
According to Firstsportz, the Rockets appeared to have the upper hand with only 10 seconds remaining. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tied the game and forced overtime. The extra period ended in another draw after Alperen Sengun missed the potential game-winning shot.
Then came a bizarre moment. Durant signaled for a timeout even though the Rockets didn’t have one left. The Thunder immediately demanded a technical foul, but the refs claimed they never saw Durant’s request and allowed the game to head into a second overtime, where both teams stayed neck and neck.
KD tried to call timeout without having any, but it goes unacknowledged, and we’re off to double overtime.
📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/gt4zcMmq3t— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 22, 2025
With just 11 seconds left, Gilgeous-Alexander fouled Durant, then stepped to the line and sealed the victory with clutch free throws.
Meanwhile, the Lakers-Warriors showdown also delivered excitement. Luka Doncic led all scorers from start to finish, but the Warriors built a double-digit lead in the third quarter. The Lakers responded with a late surge and cut the difference to six.
STEPH CURRY DOING STEPH CURRY THINGS!
He knocks down the DEEP 3 to seal the Warriors win. pic.twitter.com/idnImawAUY
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) October 22, 2025
In the final minute, the Warriors freed their most dangerous scorer, and that key decision secured their first win of the season.
Despite the boos aimed at Durant, there’s no question that Durant, Doncic and Curry are the league’s top fan favorites right now. All three showcased their star power on opening night, and the best part is that the season has only just begun.
