NBA Announces Big Mistake in Rockets' Loss to Thunder

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 12:38 AM ET

The season opener between the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder was a thrilling, back-and-forth contest that ended with the Thunder edging out a 125-124 double-overtime victory.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 35 points, five assists, and five rebounds, while Alperen Sengun impressed for Houston with a game-high 39 points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Durant, in his return to Oklahoma City, struggled, finishing with 23 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 47 minutes. Durant missed a potential game-winning free throw and later fouled Gilgeous-Alexander late in the second overtime, allowing the Thunder star to sink two free throws that sealed the win.

However, perhaps the biggest controversy came late in the first overtime, with Durant again at the center of it.

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka and forward Kevin Durant (7)Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

With the game tied, Durant appeared to call for a timeout even though Houston had none remaining. By rule, that should have resulted in a technical foul and two free throws for the Thunder, which could have ended the game. Instead, the officials missed it, and play continued into double overtime.

After the game, the NBA released its pool report acknowledging the error. Crew Chief Zach Zarba explained in an interview conducted by Cliff Brunt of the Associated Press:

“None of the three game officials saw Kevin signal that timeout. That’s why it wasn’t granted before the expiration of time.”

NBA Referee Zach Zarba comments to a pool reporter after tonight’s Houston at Oklahoma game.https://t.co/Ei8H35nBQ3
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) October 22, 2025

The missed call also drew a reaction from Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault who declined to make further comments after the game:

“I saw what I saw. I said what I said… I said my peace on the court — I’m not gonna do it here… I’m over it now” (h/t Josue Pavón of ClutchPoints)

Gilgeous-Alexander also addressed the blunder in his postgame chat:

“Kevin definitely called timeout about three times verbally and physically with his hands… I think the refs just missed it. That’s life. You make mistakes in life… they didn’t do it on purpose.”

Despite the officiating lapse, Oklahoma City capped off Ring Night with a hard-fought win and will now prepare to face the Indiana Pacers on Thursday in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. Meanwhile, the Rockets will look to bounce back from the tough loss when they take on the Detroit Pistons on Friday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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