Durant Sees Positives Amid Rockets’ Frustrating 0-2 Start

UPDATE: The Houston Rockets are off to a rocky start this NBA season, now holding a disappointing 0-2 record after a 115-111 loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 27, 2023. Star forward Kevin Durant expressed optimism despite the team’s frustrations, noting that both players and coaches are “pissed off” about the early-season struggles.

Durant, who scored 37 points with an impressive 9-of-18 shooting performance and 16-of-18 from the free-throw line, emphasized that this energy is crucial for the Rockets. “Coaching staff is pissed off, players are pissed off,” he stated. “We want a better outcome, and it’s early, too. So for us to feel that way I like that kind of energy.”

Despite the notable performance from Durant, the Rockets fell short in their home opener, which was attended by legends Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwon. The loss mirrors their previous game—a nail-biting 125-124 double-overtime defeat to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. In both games, the Rockets refused to accept moral victories, especially with championship aspirations after having been a No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last season.

Guard Amen Thompson shared his frustrations, stating, “Just feel like we haven’t played a good game yet. It’s been two close games. We can’t keep saying that all the time. We want to play great games. We have championship-level expectations.”

As the game reached its final moments, Durant took control, dribbling up the court with less than 30 seconds remaining while the Rockets trailed by just 2 points. Anticipation surged among fans as he attempted to tie or take the lead. However, his pass to Alperen Şengun was blocked by Pistons forward Paul Reed, sealing the victory for Detroit as guard Cade Cunningham secured the win with two free throws.

Durant acknowledged the challenge of balancing aggressive play with team dynamics, admitting that while he scored 14 points in the fourth quarter alone, no other teammate surpassed three points in that pivotal stretch. “It’s a balance I felt like when I came back in that fourth quarter,” said Durant. “I got aggressive and made them double me, and I think we got some good looks.”

After signing a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Rockets just days prior, Durant is averaging 30 points per game with a shooting percentage of 53% and 43% from beyond the arc. Fans are eagerly watching to see if the Rockets can turn their season around, with their next opportunity to secure a win coming up.

The Rockets are determined to transform their early frustrations into motivation as they prepare for their upcoming games. Stay tuned for more developments as the season unfolds.