Thunder Edge Rockets in Thrilling Double Overtime Battle
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · Paycom Center
Oklahoma City Thunder 125, Houston Rockets 124, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Houston Rockets vs Oklahoma City Thunder?
Oklahoma City Thunder beat Houston Rockets 125-124 at Paycom Center on October 21, 2025.
The Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Houston Rockets in a nail-biting double overtime contest, finishing with a score of 125-124. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second meeting between the two teams in the current season, with the Thunder now leading the series 1-0. The game took place at the Paycom Center, where the Thunder showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
In terms of recent form, the Thunder entered this game with a home record of 1-0 and an impressive overall record of 8-2 in their last ten games. They were riding a four-game winning streak, averaging 125.2 points scored per game while allowing 112.9 points. Their most recent victories included an impressive win against the New Orleans Pelicans, where they secured a 115-100 result. Conversely, the Rockets came into the game with an away record of 0-1 and a 6-4 record over their last ten games. However, they were struggling, having lost their last three games, with an average of 119.9 points scored and 114.9 points allowed.
When it comes to home versus away performance, the Thunder have been strong at home with a record of 5-1, while the Rockets have shown more vulnerability on the road with a 3-3 record. This home advantage was evident as the Thunder sought to capitalize on their familiar surroundings.
Previous meetings between the two teams had seen the Rockets winning 125-111 in their last encounter on April 5, 2025, but the Thunder had managed to secure victories in earlier matchups, including a 137-128 win on March 4, 2025. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the game, as both teams were eager to assert their dominance.
In terms of injuries, the Thunder faced several day-to-day concerns, with Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle), Ajay Mitchell (calf), Otega Oweh (lower leg), Thomas Sorber (knee), and Jalen Williams (hamstring) all listed as questionable. The Rockets also had key players dealing with injuries, including Kevin Durant (ankle), Fred VanVleet (knee), and Steven Adams (ankle), all of whom were also day-to-day. The absence or limited availability of these players could have influenced the game dynamics significantly.
The market had priced the Thunder as the favorites, reflecting their recent form and home advantage, although specific odds were not provided. The conditions during the game were conducive to an exciting matchup, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities.
As the game unfolded, it was clear that viewers should watch for the performances of key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who made crucial free throws in the second overtime, and Kevin Durant, who contributed significantly with a driving layup and free throw in the closing moments. The scoring plays were dramatic, with Cason Wallace hitting a pivotal three-pointer and Alperen Sengun responding with a two-point shot, keeping the game tightly contested.
Ultimately, the Thunder's ability to execute in crucial moments allowed them to edge out the Rockets in a thrilling finish, solidifying their strong start to the season and leaving fans eager for the next encounter.
Injury report
- Isaiah HartensteinDay-To-DayAnkleOklahoma City Thunder
- Ajay MitchellDay-To-DayCalfOklahoma City Thunder
- Otega OwehDay-To-DayLower LegOklahoma City Thunder
- Thomas SorberDay-To-DayKneeOklahoma City Thunder
- Jalen WilliamsDay-To-DayHamstringOklahoma City Thunder
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsShai Gilgeous-Alexander35Oklahoma City Thunder
- AssistsShai Gilgeous-Alexander5Oklahoma City Thunder
- ReboundsIsaiah Hartenstein8Oklahoma City Thunder
- PointsAlperen Sengun39Houston Rockets
- AssistsAlperen Sengun7Houston Rockets
- ReboundsSteven Adams13Houston Rockets
Recent form
Oklahoma City Thunder
Last 10: 8-2Streak W4125.2 scored · 112.9 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W115-100at New Orleans PelicansApr 13
- W145-111at Utah JazzApr 12
- W125-112at Phoenix SunsApr 10
- W136-120vs Los Angeles LakersApr 9
- L99-126vs Los Angeles LakersApr 6
- L111-125at Houston RocketsApr 5
- W119-103vs Detroit PistonsApr 3
- W145-117vs Chicago BullsApr 1
- W132-111vs Indiana PacersMar 30
- W125-104vs Memphis GrizzliesMar 28
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 6-4Streak L3119.9 scored · 114.9 allowed per game3-3 away
- L111-126vs Denver NuggetsApr 13
- L109-140at Los Angeles LakersApr 12
- L117-134at LA ClippersApr 10
- W106-96at Golden State WarriorsApr 7
- W125-111vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 5
- W143-105vs Utah JazzApr 3
- L98-104at Los Angeles LakersApr 1
- W148-109at Phoenix SunsMar 31
- W121-110at Utah JazzMar 28
- W121-114vs Atlanta HawksMar 26
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Houston Rockets | Oklahoma City Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 43-97 | 46-104 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 11-39 | 13-52 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 25 |
| Free throws | 27-31 | 20-25 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 80 |
| Rebounds | 52 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 27 |
| Assists | 23 | 29 |
| Steals | 6 | 12 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 22 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 28 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 50 |
| Fouls | 26 | 27 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 6 |
How the scoring went
- 4th Quarter93-88Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-89Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-89Kevin Durant makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter95-91Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Cason Wallace assists)
- 4th Quarter97-91Amen Thompson makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter97-92Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-93Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-95Isaiah Hartenstein makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter99-95Amen Thompson makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter99-97Chet Holmgren makes 4-foot two point shot (Luguentz Dort assists)
- 4th Quarter101-97Amen Thompson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter101-100Cason Wallace makes 26-foot three point jumper (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assists)
- 4th Quarter101-102Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter103-102Alperen Sengun makes 6-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter104-102Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-104Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- OT104-107Chet Holmgren makes 22-foot three point jumper (Luguentz Dort assists)
- OT104-110Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 25-foot three pointer
- OT106-110Alperen Sengun makes 7-foot two point shot
- OT106-112Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- OT107-112Reed Sheppard makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT110-112Jabari Smith Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kevin Durant assists)
- OT111-112Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT111-115Chet Holmgren makes 25-foot three point jumper (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander assists)
- OT112-115Josh Okogie makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT113-115Josh Okogie makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT115-115Alperen Sengun makes 1-foot dunk
- 2OT116-115Alperen Sengun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2OT117-115Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2OT117-116Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2OT119-116Jabari Smith Jr. makes 6-foot two point shot (Steven Adams assists)
- 2OT119-117Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2OT119-120Cason Wallace makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (Alex Caruso assists)
- 2OT121-120Kevin Durant makes driving layup
- 2OT122-120Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2OT122-122Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 19-foot step back jumpshot
- 2OT122-123Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2OT124-123Alperen Sengun makes 2-foot two point shot (Kevin Durant assists)
- 2OT124-124Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2OT124-125Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Oklahoma City Thunder, below favours Houston Rockets.
Venue
- Paycom CenterOklahoma City, OK
- Attendance18203
- OfficialsZach Zarba, Eric Dalen, Jason Goldenberg
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- Rockets Dominate Thunder in Houston ShowdownOct 31, 2026
- Rockets Dominate Thunder in Convincing VictoryOct 15, 2026
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