UPDATE: Houston Rockets star forward Kevin Durant expressed his thoughts on the team’s disappointing 0-2 start following a 115-111 loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 27, 2023. Despite the frustration, Durant sees a silver lining in the players’ and coaches’ anger, stating, “We want a better outcome… I like that kind of energy.”
This urgent situation follows a nail-biting game where Durant showcased his skills, scoring 37 points on 9-of-18 shooting and hitting 16 of 18 from the free-throw line. However, the performance wasn’t enough to secure the team’s first victory as the Rockets faced their second tight loss of the season.
The game drew notable attention with Rockets legends Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwon courtside, but the excitement couldn’t translate into a win. “Just feel like we haven’t played a good game yet,” said guard Amen Thompson, emphasizing the team’s championship-level expectations. “We want to play great games. Bad games happen, but we are still trying to win those.”
The Rockets, who were last season’s No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, entered this season with 14-1 odds to win the NBA title, according to ESPN BET. Yet, they are grappling with the pressure of high expectations after two narrow defeats.
As the game reached the final moments, Durant attempted to lead the charge. With under 30 seconds remaining and the Rockets trailing 113-111, he drove the ball forward. However, a critical pass to teammate Alperen Şengun resulted in a blocked shot by Pistons forward Paul Reed, sealing Houston’s fate as Detroit’s Cade Cunningham secured the win with two free throws.
Durant acknowledged the challenge of balancing his role between taking control of the game and allowing his teammates to find their rhythm. In the fourth quarter alone, he scored 14 points, while no other teammate scored more than three.
Despite the rocky start, Durant remains optimistic about his new team’s potential, averaging 30 points with a shooting percentage of 53% and a 43% success rate from beyond the arc in just two games.
Next, all eyes will be on the Rockets as they aim to bounce back and secure their first win of the season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Durant’s leadership and performance can turn the tide for a team eager to prove its worth in the league.
