OKLAHOMA CITY — After receiving his Oklahoma City Thunder championship ring and watching the commemorative 2024-2025 Thunder NBA champions banner rise into the rafters at the Paycom Center, Chet Holmgren was eager to start the regular season. He started 7-for-7 from the floor, scoring 18 of his 28 points in the first half of Oklahoma City's 125-124 double-overtime win against the Houston Rockets.
Holmgren hit the ground running. Kicking the 2025-26 campaign off with a strong performance, Holmgren also finished with seven rebounds, and two assist, while helping the Thunder counter Rockets All-Star Alperen Sengun, who led Houston with 39 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block.
“We all kind of discussed it. You have to be present and enjoy the ceremony, but as