Oklahoma City, OK, August 11, 2025
News Summary
The Oklahoma City Thunder will unveil their championship banner during the 2025-26 NBA season opener against the Houston Rockets. This moment is significant for the team’s history, as it marks their first championship title since 1979. Kevin Durant, a former Thunder player now with the Rockets, adds intrigue to the matchup. Fans are eager to witness Durant’s reaction to the Thunder’s celebratory moment, given his past with the franchise and the mixed feelings about his departure.
Oklahoma City, OK
The Oklahoma City Thunder will kick off their 2025-26 NBA season against the Houston Rockets, a game that will be particularly poignant for Kevin Durant. Having previously played for the Thunder, Durant’s presence in this matchup has stirred interest among fans, especially regarding his thoughts on witnessing the Thunder raise their championship banner. This marks a celebratory moment for the Thunder, as it is their first championship title since 1979.
The championship banner, signifying the Thunder’s victory over the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series, will be unveiled on October 21 at the Paycom Center. Despite the humor Durant displayed on social media about the Thunder’s success, there is likely also some sense of pride in seeing his former team reach such heights.
Durant initially rose to prominence with the Thunder when they were still the Seattle SuperSonics, contributing significantly to the team’s development. However, in a controversial step, he left the Thunder in 2016 to join the Golden State Warriors, where he won back-to-back titles. His departure left a rift with Thunder fans, who felt betrayed and labeled him a traitor. Each return to Oklahoma City since then has been met with jeers from fans.
In a recent exchange on social media, Durant playfully responded to a question about his feelings as the Thunder prepare for their cherished banner ceremony, remarking that it had been a long wait for the championship. He humorously stated it was “about time,” illustrating his mixed feelings about the situation. While he joked about the franchise’s decade-long championship drought, a recognition persists that there may still be a connection to the organization he once called home.
This season marks a new chapter for Durant, now 36 years old, who is playing with the Houston Rockets after stints with the Brooklyn Nets and the Phoenix Suns. He seeks to silence his critics by proving his worth on the court. Durant’s potential to make an impact on the Rockets is underscored by their coach, who sees him as a vital figure in elevating the team’s championship ambitions.
Durant notably did not attend any NBA Finals games in Oklahoma City during the previous playoff run, though other former Thunder player Chris Paul was present. Despite an earlier message of congratulations to the Thunder after their title win, his light-hearted sarcasm regarding the franchise raises questions about his deeper sentiments toward his old team.
As the opening game approaches, the juxtaposition of celebration for the Thunder and tension surrounding Durant underscores the complexities of player-team dynamics within the NBA. Fans are keen to see how Durant interacts with Oklahoma City once again during this significant moment.
Key Dates
- October 21: Thunder to unveil their championship banner
- 2025-26 NBA Season: Begins with Thunder vs. Rockets
Career Overview of Kevin Durant
| Team | Years Played | Championships |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder | 2007 – 2016 | 0 |
| Golden State Warriors | 2016 – 2019 | 2 |
| Brooklyn Nets | 2019 – 2022 | 0 |
| Phoenix Suns | 2022 – 2023 | 0 |
| Houston Rockets | 2023 – Present | 0 |
Conclusion
The upcoming game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets will undoubtedly be a highlight of the NBA season, capturing a blend of celebration and historical rivalry. As Durant steps onto the court, both the fans and the players will reflect on the significance of his past and present in shaping this monumental occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Thunder’s championship banner be unveiled?
The chandelier banner will be unveiled on October 21, coinciding with the opening game against the Houston Rockets.
What is Kevin Durant’s relationship with the Thunder?
Kevin Durant began his career with the Thunder but left in 2016. His departure sparked controversy among fans who viewed him as a traitor. His returns to Oklahoma City have often led to boos and mixed reactions.
How has Durant’s career progressed since leaving the Thunder?
Since leaving the Thunder, Durant has played for the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns, and is now with the Houston Rockets as of 2023.
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Additional Resources
- Larry Brown Sports
- Sports Illustrated
- Bleacher Report
- Google Search: Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder news
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kevin Durant
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
