Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was left frustrated by his own performance in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s opening game victory against the Houston Rockets, insisting he needs “to be better”.

Following the ring ceremony, the Thunder managed to overcome the Rockets in a 125-124 double overtime victory, with Gilgeous-Alexander securing the win from the free-throw line.

Registering five assists and five steals in addition to his 35 points, Gilgeous-Alexander became the third-reigning MVP to record those figures in a season opener after Stephen Curry in 2015 and Shaquille O’Neal in 2000.

However, the Rockets held the guard to just 11 points through the first three quarters before the 27-year-old eventually found his rhythm.

Although it was not an ideal win for the holders, Gilgeous-Alexander has no doubt that the Thunder will improve over the coming months.

 for  in OT pic.twitter.com/ywiqcJcKsq

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 22, 2025

“I need to be better,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “We need to be better than what we just did.

“We're going to be a better team in a few months, but I fully believe this team will use tonight as a learning experience.

“It was ugly tonight, but I'd rather it be ugly in a win than a loss for sure.”

Kevin Durant was in the spotlight throughout the game, first being booed by his former fans before being involved in game-defining incidents.

He first missed a crucial free throw with under 10 seconds left in regulation before fouling out with 2.3 seconds remaining in the second overtime and sending Gilgeous-Alexander to the charity stripe.

Durant was disappointed with how he performed in those key moments, pinning the blame on himself.

“I missed the free throws, and I fouled somebody at the end,” Durant said. “I think those two plays are the reason we lost.

“Fouled Shai, put them up one. I've got to stay down, be more disciplined [with] those opportunities to get a stop to seal the game.

“I'm not expected to make every big shot in every close game. I just feel like my presence out there can ease the tension for everybody and we can make plays.”