The 2025-26 NBA season tipped off in dramatic fashion on Monday night, as the Golden State Warriors earned a commanding win over the LeBron-less Los Angeles Lakers, while the Oklahoma City Thunder pulled off a thrilling double-overtime victory against the Houston Rockets.
Warriors Shine as Lakers Falter Without LeBron
At Chase Center, the Golden State Warriors opened their campaign with a 119-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, who were missing LeBron James due to rest.
Jimmy Butler III led the way for the Warriors with a stunning 31 points, converting all 16 free-throw attempts and showcasing the aggressive, veteran poise that has made him one of the league’s most consistent performers.
Stephen Curry added 23 points and seven assists, while Klay Thompson chipped in 18 as the Warriors showed early signs of cohesion under coach Steve Kerr’s renewed system emphasizing ball movement and transition efficiency.
Despite the loss, the Lakers found hope in Luka Dončić, who poured in 43 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished eight assists in a dazzling individual effort. The newly-acquired superstar carried the offensive load in LeBron’s absence, though defensive lapses and turnovers proved costly down the stretch.
“We competed hard, but Golden State executed better in the fourth quarter,” Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said post-game. “We’ll clean up our mistakes and be ready for the next one.”
For the Warriors, the win marked a confident start to what could be another deep playoff push.
“It’s all about setting the tone,” Curry said. “We wanted to come out strong, show who we are, and play Warriors basketball.”
Thunder Survive Rockets in Double-OT Thriller
In Oklahoma City, fans were treated to an early season classic as the Thunder edged the Houston Rockets 125-124 after two overtimes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a masterclass with 38 points and 10 assists, including clutch free throws that sealed the victory in the final seconds.
The Rockets, featuring former Thunder star Kevin Durant, pushed the game to its limits. Durant finished with 36 points, but his potential game-tying three rimmed out in the second overtime, silencing a buzzing Paycom Center crowd that had moments earlier been chanting his name.
Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren impressed defensively with five blocks, while Jalen Williams added 22 points and a crucial steal in the dying moments.
“It was electric out there,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “You could feel the energy from the crowd. That’s what opening night basketball is all about.”
An Opening Night
The NBA’s return did not disappoint, blending drama, star power, and storylines that hint at another unpredictable season ahead.
The Warriors’ depth looked dangerous, the Lakers’ reliance on Dončić was glaring, and the Thunder’s young core proved ready for primetime.
With the rest of the league set to tip off over the next few days, fans already have plenty to talk about — and plenty to look forward to — after one of the most exciting opening nights in recent memory.
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