The new NBA season opened up with superstar performances, edge-of-your-seat finishes, and a splash of nostalgia.
In Oklahoma City, the defending champion Thunder unveiled their first-ever banner before outlasting the Houston Rockets 125–124 in a double-overtime thriller. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went off for 35 points, including the winning free throws with 2.3 seconds left, while ex-Thunder star Kevin Durant — loudly booed in his Houston debut — finished with 23 before fouling out.
In Los Angeles, Luka Doncic shouldered the LeBron-less Lakers with a 43-point, 12-rebound, 9-assist performance in a 119–109 loss to Golden State. Head coach JJ Redick praised Doncic’s dominance but said the team must solve its long-running third-quarter struggles as it navigates the next few weeks without LeBron James, sidelined by sciatica.
Adding to the night’s sense of renewal, Michael Jordan made his debut as a special contributor for NBC Sports’ first NBA broadcast in over 20 years. Jordan said he joined NBC to “pay it forward” and to pass on lessons to the next generation. Backed by the return of “Roundball Rock” and a digitally-revived voiceover from Jim Fagan, NBC’s comeback is blending the nostalgia of basketball’s golden age with the action of its high-profile present.
