Kevin Durant highlighted the Houston Rockets’ early-season frustration after an 0-2 start as a positive indicator of the team’s competitive spirit, despite narrow losses to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons. The star forward, who recently joined the Rockets, expressed that the players’ and coaches’ dissatisfaction could drive improvement as they aim to meet high expectations.
In their home opener, the Rockets fell 115-111 to the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, with Durant scoring 37 points on 9-of-18 shooting and going 16-of-18 from the free-throw line. Despite his efficient performance, the game remained tight until the final moments, where a critical play saw Durant pass to Alperen Şengun, whose shot was blocked by Pistons forward Paul Reed with 16 seconds left. This sequence allowed Detroit to secure the win with free throws, extending Houston’s winless streak.
Durant emphasized the importance of the team’s reaction, stating that coaches and players are “pissed off” about the outcomes, which he views as beneficial energy. He noted that such frustration early in the season reflects a desire for better results and could foster a resilient mindset. The Rockets’ losses have both been close contests, including a season-opening double-overtime defeat to the defending champion Thunder, underscoring the team’s potential but also areas needing refinement.
Guard Amen Thompson echoed the sentiment of unmet expectations, acknowledging that the Rockets haven’t played a ‘good game’ yet and stressing the need to avoid moral victories. With championship-level aspirations after finishing as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last season, the team entered this year with the fifth-best odds to win the NBA title, adding pressure to quickly address shortcomings.
Durant, who signed a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Rockets, is still adjusting to his role, balancing aggressive scoring with facilitating teammates. In the fourth quarter against the Pistons, he scored 14 points but noted that no other player contributed more than three, highlighting challenges in offensive cohesion. Through two games, he is averaging 30 points on 53% shooting from the floor and 43% from three-point range, demonstrating his impact.
The early setbacks serve as a learning experience for integrating Durant’s talents with the existing roster, including veterans and young players. Rockets legends Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwon were present courtside for the home opener, symbolizing the franchise’s rich history and the heightened expectations surrounding this new era. The team’s focus is on refining execution in clutch moments and building chemistry to translate close games into victories.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will aim to secure their first win in upcoming games, using the initial frustration as motivation. Durant’s leadership and positive outlook on the team’s reaction could be pivotal in navigating the early season challenges and working toward their championship goals, with players committed to elevating their performance consistently.