The Celtics’ compressed schedule would mean the home team was playing its fifth game in just 7 nights, and the rested Rockets pushed the pace to lead the game, 37-24, at the break. Durant had 12 points at the first break as Houston shot a blistering 66% from the field and outrebounded Boston 15-7 to start the game.

Kevin Durant scored 31 points, Jabari Smith Jr. added a season-high 25 and the Houston Rockets thumped the struggling Toronto Raptors 139-121.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have opened the 2025-26 NBA season with a wild 125-124 win in double overtime over the Houston Rockets.

The OKC Thunder and the Houston Rockets opened the 2025-26 NBA season on Tuesday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Tuesday's opening night also included the ring ceremony for the reigning champion Thunder. OKC began its title defense against the retooled Rockets, which finished at No. 2 in the Western Conference behind the Thunder.

Kevin Durant explained why offense is more valuable to winning championships than defense ahead of the Rockets' 2025-26 season.