Kevin Durant’s return to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the opening night of the 2025-26 season was something scripted well by the NBA. He will step foot on the Thunder on the day that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and the rest of his teammates receive their the rings for winning the 2025 NBA title, something KD was unable to do for them.
Durant left OKC in 2016 to join rivals Golden State Warriors and since then, the fanbase has been antagonistic of him. That was the same atmosphere he received on Tuesday night. He was booed by Thunder fans. It was totally opposite for Steven Adams who got love from his former team.
Steven Adams today at shoot-around back in OKC…
On his downtown mural:
“I thought they would have tagged it up by now or put a bloody moustache on it… this was my home from when I was 18. Really cool that people still remember me” https://t.co/nq4jCoRfoS pic.twitter.com/71GjYTJUdU— Steven Adams Stats (@funakistats) October 21, 2025
Talking post-game, KD addressed the boos he received and said that he expecting nothing less. However, he insisted that was just all part of the entertainment.
Kevin Durant hears boo’s from the OKC Thunder fans, he had a smirk 😂 pic.twitter.com/vHi550MAgM
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) October 21, 2025
“It’s part of the brand of OKC to boo me when my name gets introduced, but I think it’s all love after that,” the two-time Finals MVP said as quoted by Houston reporter Michael Shapiro.
““Walking onto the court, at the hotel, walking around town, every time I come here, it’s just so much love and respect. People always telling me they appreciate my time here. And I feel the same way.”
The boos did not bother Durant as he finished the game with 23 points and nine rebounds. However, he was not able to finish the game as he fouled out with 11 seconds remaining, leading to two made free throws by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, icing their 124-123 win.
Durant own up to the loss saying it was his foul on SGA that undid their effort.
“I missed the free throw (in regulation) and I fouled (SGA) at the end to put them up one,” he told reporters after the game.
“I think those two plays are the reason we lost.”
Kevin Durant, Rockets’ experiment worked?
Another huge story heading into this game for the Rockets is their unorthodox starting five. Head coach Ime Udoka decided to not play a traditional point guard in his starting unit. He had to grapple with this decision in September after starting PG Fred VanVleet was confirmed out for the season.
He employed a line up wherein all players stand 6’7 and above. How did it go for them? The main five were productive despite the loss. All of them played 36 minutes or more.
Can’t believe this lineup
6’7″ Amen Thompson
6’11” Kevin Durant
6’11” Jabari Smith Jr.
6’11” Alperen Sengun
6’11” Steven AdamsFreaking insane
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) October 22, 2025
Alperen Sengun led the way with his near triple double of 35-11-7. His seven assists were the most for the team. Amen Thompson, who played ball handler from time to time had 18 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
Jabari Smith Jr., who was the Sixth Man last season, made a good account of himself with his 16 points and five rebounds. Starting center Steven Adams provided the defense as he went up against Chet Holmgren and Isaac Hartenstein. He finished with four points, 13 rebounds, and three assists.
Next up for the Rockets are the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
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