The Thunder outlasted KD on ring night, while Luka and Steph battled in L.A. Here are the biggest takeaways from NBA opening night.

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.

Jimmy Butler led the Golden State Warriors to a road win over the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night while the Oklahoma City Thunder outlasted the Houston Rockets on opening night.

Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t overcome the Golden State Warriors to begin their 2025-2026 season. While LA came up short, Luka’s personal perf

That said, a 40-year-old LeBron James will miss the Lakers' opener against the Warriors. The four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champ is dealing with sciatica and is reportedly eying a mid-November return. James' early-season absence could set the stage for the beginning of a Dončić MVP campaign.

Eric Samulski reviews Alperen Şengün's breakout performance for the Houston Rockets, in which he notched 39 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists despite losing to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.