The Rockets' opening night game will be historic, and here's why

The Houston Rockets have a rich history, and much of it was documented on NBA on NBC. They'll open the 2025-26 season by returning to the place that broadcast the best years in franchise history.

For older Rockets fans, this is a big deal. NBA on NBC is more than a program: It's a cultural staple. You can hear the theme music as you read this:

"Duh duh duh duh da duh da duh!"

Beautiful. Magnificent. It sounds like early summer nights, a big bottle of cola, and a bowl full of chips with your best friends.

Again: Younger readers may want to skip this one. It's not for you. Let us old heads have our moment:

This is a big deal.

The Houston Rockets have a rich history on NBA on NBC

Even the kids should know that the Rockets' heyday came in the mid-90s. Hakeem Olajuwon led the Rockets to back-to-back titles in the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. The whole time, NBA on NBA was there.

Marv Albert's masterful play-by-play punctuated each dream shake. Mike Fratello's expert diagramming showcased the Rockets' innovative four-out offense. The NBC team lives in the hearts of long-time Rockets fans.

So, you'll forgive us for being sentimental about the team's return to NBC. This is a big moment.

What does it mean in the grand scheme of things?

Rockets poised for huge NBA season

The Rockets face the Thunder on opening night. It's a game that's drenched in narrative value. The Rockets are poised to be the Thunder's prime competition in the West this year. Kevin Durant will watch his original NBA team's ring ceremony. All of that, and the Rockets return to NBC at the same time.

Does any of that matter? It depends on who you ask.

The rationalist will suggest that it doesn't amount to much. The Rockets have a long season ahead. They need to be concerned with preserving Durant's health. They need to take opening night to determine how close they are to the Thunder and how much work needs to be done.

The dreamer will tell a different story.

For those who put stock in the universe, this season feels special. The Rockets added Durant after he crushed their late 10s championship dreams. He's here to right wrongs. The fact that they start the year out against his former Thunder team feels like a fitting start to a storybook season:

As does the fact that it'll unfold on NBC.