Kevin Durant‘s debut for the Houston Rockets ended in defeat. Ime Udoka’s team fell to a 125-124 double-overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
When speaking to the media after the game, Durant pinpointed two mistakes he made during the game, noting how they are arguably the two possessions that cost Houston the game.
“I missed the free throw (in regulation) and I fouled (SGA) at the end to put them up 1,” Durant said. “I think those two plays are the reason we lost..I’ve got to stay down, got to stay more disciplined. Those opportunities to get a stop to seal a game, they don’t come around often, so I have to take advantage of those.”
Durant was referencing his opportunity to put the Rockets up by three near the end of regulation. He was at the free-throw line with his team leading by one. Unfortunately, Durant went 1-of-2 from the charity stripe, opening the door for the Thunder to tie things up and force overtime. Durant also bit on a Shai-Gilgeous Alexander pump fake in the second overtime, fouling out in the process and sending the 2025 NBA MVP to the free-throw line on one of the final possessions of the game.
Despite those two errors, Durant had an encouraging debut for the Rockets. He ended the night with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting 56.3% from the field. However, Durant will likely be frustrated with his work on the perimeter, where he went 0-of-4 on the night.
Durant Fills a Legitimate Need For The Rockets
During a recent episode of LeBron James‘ “Mind The Game” podcast, which he hosts alongside Steve Nash, the duo discussed how Durant’s shot-making ability will help Houston thrive this season. Udoka’s team led the NBA in offensive rebounds per game last season, but struggled to capitalize on those extra possessions.
“Houston understood last year that their problem was shotmaking, and shooting the 3,” James said. “So being able to create extra possessions, it was something they knew they could benefit from. If you look at per 36 (minutes), when it comes to Steven Adams, he’s going to be up there a lot, as far as offensive rebounds.”
James continued.
“It works for them … They’ve kind of shored that up (shotmaking) a little bit with KD’s ability to shoot the ball, and Dorian Finney-Smith can shoot. So, they’ve added some space, as far as the shooting. But that (double big) is a tactic they know they can go to, if need be.”
Durant Addresses Boos From Thunder Crowd
Before the game began, the Thunder fans, who were celebrating the team’s ring ceremony, ensured Durant was met with a chorus of boos. After the game, the veteran superstar addressed that moment when speaking with the media.
“Man, it’s not real,” Durant said. “There’s so much love around here from the fans. Walking onto the court… Walking around town… But it’s part of the brand of Oklahoma City, booing me.. But I think it’s all love.”
Despite the Rockets’ loss, they looked every bit the contending-level team many expect them to be. Udoka’s team will continue to improve as the season progresses and will undoubtedly prove itself as one of the better rosters in the NBA in the coming months. And, because of that, the Thunder fans will likely have many more opportunities to boo Durant, especially if the two teams find themselves on a collision course heading into the postseason.
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