Kevin Durant Takes Blame in Rockets’ Heartbreaking 2OT Loss

UPDATE: In a dramatic double overtime showdown, the Houston Rockets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 125-124 on July 15, 2023. Following the heart-wrenching defeat, star player Kevin Durant took full responsibility for the loss, stating, “I missed the free throws, and I fouled somebody at the end.”

This thrilling game, held at the Paycom Center, was marked by a championship celebration for the Thunder, who raised their banner and held a ring ceremony. Durant, who scored 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, faced critical moments that he believes directly contributed to the Rockets’ failure to secure a win.

With 11 seconds left in the second overtime, Durant fouled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, resulting in crucial free throws that allowed the Thunder to take the lead 125-124. “I think those two plays are the reason we lost,” Durant explained, reflecting on his mistakes, which also included a missed free throw during a crucial moment in regulation.

The Rockets were on the brink of victory as they led 124-123 prior to the fatal foul. Despite his late struggles, Durant’s performance hinted at the potential of Houston’s offense, especially as he shot 5 of 6 on two-point jumpers.

In a tense moment, Durant also called a timeout that the Rockets didn’t have, leading to confusion and boos from the crowd of 18,203. Although referees did not penalize him for the mishap, the incident added to the drama of the evening. “I think definitely he called timeout about three times,” said Gilgeous-Alexander, downplaying the error.

Durant’s debut with the Rockets showcased his potential impact on the team, particularly in the wake of teammate Alperen Sengun‘s stellar performance, where he scored a game-high 39 points and added 11 rebounds. “He’s making our jobs easy,” Sengun noted, hinting at the synergy that could develop as the team works together.

Despite a challenging start, the Rockets fielded the tallest lineup in an opener since 1970-71, averaging 82.2 inches in height. Coach Ime Udoka highlighted the potential for growth within this new configuration as they adapt to their size and skills.

As the Rockets look to bounce back, Durant stressed the importance of teamwork. “I’m not expected to make every big shot in every close game,” he said, emphasizing the shared responsibility among teammates moving forward.

Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the Rockets seek to learn from this tough loss and harness the potential that Durant and Sengun displayed. The urgency to improve is palpable, as the team prepares for their next challenge in the coming days.