Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pleads to “be better” after thrilling win against Rockets

Oklahoma. and home – Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 of his 35 points after halftime to lead his team to a dramatic 125-124 double overtime victory against Houston Rockets. In a game in which the Rockets, who led most of the night, built a 12-point lead in the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander’s layup sent the game into the first overtime. However, SGA was not satisfied with his or the team’s effort.

After the win, Gilgeous-Alexander the journalists reminded that if the Thunder want to repeat as champions in 2025-26, they must improve, starting with the first week of the regular season.

“We’ve got to get better. That was probably the biggest thing tonight,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I have to be better. The group has to be better if we want to do what we just did again. We’re going to have to be a better team in a few months. But I have a lot of confidence in this team as we’re going to be. We’re going to use tonight as a learning experience – like we always have.”

While both teams shot at a clip below 30% from deep — Rockets 11-of-39 (28.2%), Thunder 13-of-52 (25.0%) — Rockets All-Star Alperen Sengun was masterful. Finishing with 39 points on 12-of-24 shooting, including 5-of-8 from deep, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block, Sengun led Houston on both ends of the floor.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 35 points, five assists, five rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Chet Holmgren added 28 points and seven rebounds, and second-year guard Ajay Mitchell led the bench with 16 points.

Kevin Durant fouls Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder

Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander baited Kevin Durant into fouling near the end of the game’s second overtime, as Jabari Smith Jr.’s corner 3 fell short with just 2.0 seconds left. The Rockets did an outstanding job on Gilgeous-Alexander in the first half, limiting him to five points on just 2-of-5 shooting. The Rockets doubled down whenever he attacked the rim, forcing him to pass.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander was able to hit his stride after scoring 12 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime and drawing Kevin Durant’s sixth and final foul of the night in double overtime.

“I was just looking for a space to make a comfortable shot that I’m comfortable with,” Gilgeus-Alexander said. “I turned and I was going to shoot, but I think he thought I was going to shoot too, and he left his feet. And I saw the opportunity; he took it and it worked in our favor.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes both FTs after a Durant foul to restore a one-point lead (125-124) with 2.3 seconds left in 2OT.

Timeout, Rockets https://t.co/r4vKMA5VeI

— Joshua Pavon (@joe_svai) October 22, 2025

Gilgeous-Alexander made two free throws that put the Thunder ahead for good and sealed the first regular-season game after a historic night, hoisting their first championship banner in franchise history at Paycom Center.