Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made two free throws with 2.3 seconds left in 2 OTs as the Thunder opened its NBA title defense with a 125-124 win against the Rockets.

First, the Thunder played a double-overtime thriller against the new-look Houston Rockets, holding on to win 125-124 in an instant classic. And in California, the LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers lost their home opener 119-109 to the Golden State Warriors.

The defending NBA champion Thunder take on one of their biggest adversaries in the Western Conference, as Oklahoma City will raise a banner before facing Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets on opening night. Follow along below for live updates and analysis from before the opening tip through the final whistle.

Lakers star LeBron James reveals one underrated player he believes fueled the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2025 NBA title run.

Find Tuesday's best bets for the biggest games from the SportsLine Projection Model and top CBS Sports experts

Braun averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals last season, his third in the NBA. He jumped from 47.3 percent from the field his first two seasons to 58.0 percent. He’s a 38.4 percent 3-point shooter for his career and a solid defender.

Oklahoma City fell short of a title last season. No, not the Larry O'Brien—they won that, and for the first time in franchise history. But before they got there

The NBA season tips off on Tuesday, October 21st, with four of the top teams in action, before the rest of the league debuts.