Oklahoma City, August 11, 2025
News Summary
The Oklahoma City Thunder will open their season with a game against the Houston Rockets, marking the first championship banner ceremony since 1979. Star player Kevin Durant’s past with the team brings added significance to the match. Despite his controversial departure in 2016, Durant is now with the Rockets, looking to prove himself at 36. The game will not only celebrate the Thunder’s recent success but also stir up old memories as Durant has often faced hostility from Thunder fans during returns.
Oklahoma City – The defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder will kick off the 2025-26 season with a game against the Houston Rockets on October 21, featuring star player Kevin Durant. Fans are eager to know Durant’s thoughts on the Thunder’s championship banner ceremony, as his past with the team is a topic of significant interest and debate.
Durant, who began his NBA career with the franchise when it was still the Seattle SuperSonics, left Oklahoma City in 2016 to join the Golden State Warriors. During his time with the Warriors, he won back-to-back NBA championships, which has colored his relationship with Thunder fans, many of whom regard him as a traitor for abandoning the team. Durant has recently poked fun at the Thunder on social media, suggesting that they took too long to win a championship and remarking humorously about their successful season.
This season marks the Thunder’s first championship since 1979, a feat accomplished after defeating the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series. The Thunder’s dominance during the regular season was notable, finishing with a record of 68-14 and setting a new benchmark for point differential in the league. Despite the excitement surrounding their victory, Durant did not attend any games during the Finals itself, which might have fueled ongoing tensions with the Thunder’s fan base.
A former Thunder player, Chris Paul, was present at several of the Finals games, showcasing a different pathway for players who have previously represented Oklahoma City. Durant, now playing with his fourth different team since leaving the Thunder, is with the Rockets, and at 36 years old, he is looking to prove his critics wrong in his first season in Houston.
The championship ceremony will see the Thunder’s roster receive their championship rings before hoisting the banner at the Paycom Center. This bittersweet moment will serve as a reminder of Durant’s complex history with the organization, given that every return to Oklahoma City has been met with loud boos from the crowd.
Durant’s witty social media interactions indicate he hasn’t shied away from the backlash and has attempted to lighten the mood surrounding his departure. The occasion presents a mix of celebration for Thunder fans while also carrying the weight of past grievances. Players and coaches alike have spoken about Durant’s impact on the Rockets, with the Rockets’ head coach emphasizing that he elevates the team’s chances of championship contention.
The upcoming game between the Thunder and the Rockets will not only celebrate the team’s recent accomplishments but will also reopen old wounds from Durant’s tenure in Oklahoma City, making it one of the most anticipated matchups of the early NBA season.
FAQs
What teams are playing in the 2025-26 NBA season opener?
The Oklahoma City Thunder will open the season against the Houston Rockets.
What significant event will happen during the game on October 21?
The Thunder will hang their championship banner and receive their championship rings during the game.
How has Kevin Durant’s relationship with Thunder fans been since his departure?
Durant’s departure in 2016 created a fractured relationship with Thunder fans, leading to boos during his returns to Oklahoma City.
What was the Thunder’s record during the regular season leading to their championship?
The Thunder had a historic regular season record of 68-14.
What is Kevin Durant’s status in the NBA as of this season?
Kevin Durant is currently playing for the Houston Rockets and aims to silence his doubters at the age of 36.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | October 21, 2025 |
| Teams Playing | Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets |
| Thunder’s Championship History | First championship since 1979 (former Seattle Supersonics) |
| Regular Season Record | 68-14 |
| Kevin Durant’s Age | 36 |
| Durant’s Teams | Thunder, Warriors, Nets, Suns, Rockets |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Tournament Set for Multiple Nations
Additional Resources
- Larry Brown Sports
- Sports Illustrated
- Bleacher Report
- Google Search: Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder news
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kevin Durant
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
