Ahead of Chet Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Opening Night matchup against the Houston Rockets, the excitement is palpable. The Rockets, who inked future Hall of Fame forward Kevin Durant during the offseason, have immediately positioned themselves as title contenders.
After finishing with the second-best record in the Western Conference last season (52-30), the Rockets made arguably the biggest signing in free agency by adding Durant to their talented, young roster. During the Thunder’s morning shootaround on Tuesday, Holmgren shared his thoughts on what Durant brings to the Rockets.
“Same thing he adds to any team that he joins — 18 years of tough shot-making, greatness in the game of basketball. We talk about Sengun and Adams being great players, he’s one of the great players,” Holmgren said. “And we have to game plan for him as well.”
Holmgren also admitted that receiving his championship ring before the Thunder’s first title parade will make for a regular season start that feels unfamiliar. However, he expressed confidence in his team’s approach ahead of facing Kevin Durant and the Rockets.
“It’s definitely a very unique situation,” Holmgren said. “Very rarely do you have such a big switch-up of the pregame routine. So, it’ll be a unique challenge tonight, but I feel like everybody has a good idea of what to expect, and everybody’s kind of approaching it in their own way to stay prepared for the game that’s happening right after.”
### Chet Holmgren on Thunder’s Historic Opening Night
Thunder forward Chet Holmgren could be poised for a breakout season in 2025-26. The fourth-year starter, who missed his rookie season, has yet to earn an All-Star selection but is coming off a championship-winning campaign. Having been with the Thunder long enough, Holmgren understands how unforgettable it is for fans to watch the team raise a championship banner.
Reflecting on the significance of October 21 at the Paycom Center, Holmgren shared, “I think Sam had the best quote, and I’ll just kind of reiterate it; when I leave in the summer and I go home, or I’m training out in LA, or wherever I might be, people say congrats. Congrats on the championship. But when you’re here, people say thank you.”
He added, “A lot of people don’t realize it really does a lot for the community, especially playing into the playoffs, and having all of those extra games. The extra boost for the economy that it brings.”
Holmgren and the Thunder will face the Rockets tonight at 7:30 EST. The game will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Don’t miss this high-stakes season opener as Oklahoma City takes on a Rockets team stacked with stars.
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