The Oklahoma City Thunder with Isiah Hartenstein got a narrow opening win in the NBA against the Houston Rockets – before that there were winner rings for the 2024/25 NBA champions.
Oklahoma defeated the Indiana Pacers in the final series of the NBA playoffs and won the title. Before the first game of the new season, the players received their championship rings. According to the manufacturer, each ring is set with more than 800 individually cut and hand-set gemstones. The letters OKC and the words “NBA Champions” can be seen. Inside, players can remove another smaller ring that bears their signature and number as well as other gemstones. The hall was also decorated with a banner indicating the title.
OKC with a narrow win in the second overtime
The Oklahoma City Thunder got off to a successful start in terms of sport. After two overtime periods, the score was 125:124 against the Houston Rockets led by new signing Kevin Durant. OKC had to fight hard for its first win of the season. “We were a little rusty, but it’s a good start”said Oklahoma’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Last season’s most valuable player finished the game with 35 points. Only Alperen Şengün, who scored 39 points for the Rockets, was better.
Oklahoma’s Isaiah Hartenstein (l.) against Houston’s Alperen Sengun
Kevin Durant booed in Oklahoma
Kevin Durant scored 23 points for Houston, the former Oklahoma player was booed – the fans have still not forgiven him for leaving in 2016 to the Golden State Warriors. “It’s OKC’s style to boo me when my name is mentioned”said Durant: “But after that it’s all love.” Hartenstein had six points, nine rebounds and five assists for Oklahoma City. 1:15 minutes before the end of the second overtime, he received his sixth foul and was not allowed to finish the game.