Durant Takes Responsibility After Rockets’ Loss to Thunder
Kevin Durant took responsibility for the failed debut of the Houston Rockets, who fell to the reigning champion, the Oklahoma City Thunder, with a score of 125-124 after two overtimes at the Paycom Center.I missed the free throws and committed a foul at the end. I think those two plays were the reason we lost.
Kevin Durant
On a night where Oklahoma City celebrated its NBA title with a ring ceremony and the raising of a championship banner, Durant scored 23 points on 9 of 16 shooting from the field. In addition, he committed two crucial turnovers that, according to him, cost Houston the game before being fouled out with 2.3 seconds remaining.
The Rockets were leading 124-123 with 11 seconds left in the second overtime when a fake by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew Durant’s sixth foul, sending the reigning MVP to the free-throw line to secure the victory. Durant also lamented the missed opportunity in regulation. With 9.5 seconds remaining and the Rockets up 103-102, he missed the first of two free throws. Although he made the second, Gilgeous-Alexander scored a 16-foot shot with 2.6 seconds left, sending the game to overtime. The situation almost worsened in the first overtime when Durant called a timeout that Houston didn’t have. Despite this, Durant showed glimpses of what Houston’s offense could be, with 5 of 6 in two-point shots. In the game, Alperen Sengun achieved a career-high of five three-pointers, scoring 39 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out 7 assists. Durant highlighted Sengun’s performance and the importance of his contribution to the team.Houston presented a starting lineup against the Thunder with an average height of 82.2 inches, the highest in an opening game since 1970-71. Durant played as a guard for the first time since 2009 alongside Amen Thompson. The lineup also included Jabari Smith Jr. and Sengun in the frontcourt with Steven Adams as center. Durant emphasized the importance of teamwork and preparation for different scenarios in the matches.It’s incredible. We’re going to need that from him as much as we can. Going down, making plays. There was a lot of space for him up top of the key as well, where he likes to work. So it’s something he has to get used to with so much space to operate now. So he scored the three well, shot it with confidence. We’re going to need that in the future.
Kevin Durant
