On Tuesday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder moved to 1-0 on the young 2025 NBA season with a thrilling double overtime home win over the Houston Rockets. Both teams came into this matchup shorthanded, but ultimately, Oklahoma City was able to win the game on two Shai Gilgeous-Alexander free throws late in the second overtime frame.
Before the game, the Thunder were honored for their recent 2025 NBA championship by receiving their championship rings and lifting the banner to the rafters.
After the game, big man Chet Holmgren stopped by NBC's postgame show with Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady and showed off his championship ring.
Some fans found humor in the fact that neither Anthony, Carter, nor McGrady ever won championships during their own careers (via @courtsidebuzzig on Instagram).
In fairness to Holmgren, the ex-players asked to see the ring, so he was by no means showing off or trying to make anyone feel bad. Still, one can only imagine what the Hall of Famers were thinking in the presence of something they were never able to achieve in their respective illustrious careers.
A big win for the Thunder
Chet Holmgren got off to a hot start to the game against the Rockets, consistently finding seams in Ime Udoka's zone defense and punishing Houston with a barrage of mid range jumpers as well as finishes around the rim. Making matters even more impressive for Oklahoma City was that they were able to knock off arguably their biggest competition in the West without their second best player in Jalen Williams, who is still recovering from offseason wrist surgery.
Reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shook off a slow start to this one to finish with 35 points, including a clutch jumper that sent the game into overtime as well as the two free throws that eventually won it.
With the emotions of ring night now in the rearview mirror, the Thunder will now look to get fully locked in on the 2025-26 season and becoe the first team in the better part of a decade to repeat as NBA champions.
