Tough debut for Houston star
Kevin Durant’s debut with the Houston Rockets ended in heartbreaking fashion on Tuesday night as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder edged out a 125-124 victory in double overtime. After the game, Durant quickly took responsibility.
“I missed the free throw and I ended up fouling someone,” he said. “I think those two games were the reason we lost.”
On a night celebrating the championship banner and ring ceremony in Oklahoma City, Durant scored 23 points on 9-for-16 shooting but made two costly mistakes. With 11 seconds left in the second overtime, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew Durant’s sixth foul and then made two free throws to win the game.
“Foul on Shea and let them score another goal,” Durant said. “I have to keep a low profile and be more disciplined.”
Missed opportunities and close calls
Durant’s struggles started earlier. He missed the first of two free throws with nine seconds left in regulation and Houston leading 103-102. Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a jumper, sending the game into overtime.
The first overtime nearly ended in disaster when Durant seemed to signal that the Rockets would not take a timeout. “I think he definitely called three timeouts — verbally and physically,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. Crew chief Zach Zarba later confirmed that the referee did not see the signal and therefore no technical foul was awarded.
Bright spots in the chaos
Despite his mistakes, Durant showed flashes of brilliance. He made 5 of 6 two-point jumpers, all in the final eight seconds of the game — his highest shooting percentage in a game since the 2013-14 season, according to GeniusIQ.
Center Alperen Sengun led Houston’s offense with a career-high 39 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists while draining five 3-pointers. “It’s incredible,” Durant said. “We’re going to need him to do that as much as possible.”
Looking to the future
The Rockets’ starting lineup is the tallest in any season opener since the 1970-71 season, with an average height of 82.2 inches. Durant plays guard for the first time since 2009, playing alongside Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Sengung and Steven Adams.
“We play as a team,” Durant said. “Some nights are my nights. Some nights are Alpi’s nights. We have to be ready.”
