OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City Thunder learned on opening night that defending an NBA championship comes with a target on your back. In a thriller that came down to the final possession, the Thunder edged the Houston Rockets 125-124 at Paycom Center on October 21st, narrowly escaping what would have been a stunning upset to begin their title defense.

Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed why he wears the crown, pouring in 35 points to lead the Thunder in their first game as defending champions. The Canadian superstar demonstrated the same efficiency and clutch play that carried Oklahoma City to their 2025 championship, but on this night, his brilliance was nearly overshadowed by an unexpected performance from the opposition.

Houston's Alperen Sengun announced his arrival as a legitimate star with a career-defining performance. The Turkish center exploded for a career-high 39 points while adding 11 rebounds and 7 assists, nearly single-handedly toppling the champions. Sengun's breakout game served notice that the Rockets, long in rebuilding mode, might be ready to compete sooner than expected.

The one-point margin reflected just how competitive this contest was from start to finish. Neither team could pull away, and every possession down the stretch carried playoff-level intensity. For Oklahoma City, the narrow victory highlighted both their championship mettle and the challenges that await them as every opponent will bring their best effort against the defending champs.

The Thunder faithful at Paycom Center witnessed the kind of drama that makes opening night special. While they celebrated the victory, the performance surely raised some concerns. Championship teams are supposed to handle opponents like Houston with more comfort, especially at home. The Rockets came within a single point of spoiling the Thunder's ring ceremony and title banner unveiling.

For Houston, the moral victory of nearly upsetting the champs on their home floor could provide momentum for the season ahead. Sengun's career night demonstrated the young talent on the Rockets' roster and their potential to surprise teams throughout the year. His ability to dominate against a championship-caliber defense suggests he's ready to take the next step in his development.

As the Thunder move forward in their title defense, they'll need to find more consistency and better defensive intensity. Allowing 124 points and watching an opponent's center go for 39 won't be a winning formula against the league's elite teams. However, championship teams often start slowly as they adjust to the heightened expectations and attention.

The season opener delivered exactly what fans hoped for: competitive basketball, star performances, and drama until the final buzzer. Oklahoma City escaped with a win, but Houston served notice that the league's balance of power might be shifting.