Kevin Durant Takes Blame in Rockets’ Heartbreaking 2OT Loss

UPDATE: In a thrilling double-overtime showdown, the Houston Rockets suffered a heartbreaking 125-124 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 24, 2023, at the Paycom Center. Kevin Durant, making his debut with the Rockets, took full responsibility for the defeat, stating, “I missed the free throws, and I fouled somebody at the end.”

The game unfolded dramatically as the Thunder celebrated their recent NBA championship with a ring ceremony. Durant’s performance included 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, but critical mistakes led to the team’s downfall. With just 2.3 seconds remaining, Durant fouled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sending him to the free-throw line where he secured the game-winning points.

Durant reflected on his costly errors, saying, “I’ve got to stay down, be more disciplined [with] those opportunities to get a stop to seal the game.” The Rockets were in a strong position, leading 124-123 with 11 seconds left in the second overtime when Durant’s foul shifted momentum.

Earlier in regulation, Durant missed a crucial free throw that could have sealed the game for the Rockets. He later made one, putting Houston ahead by two points before Gilgeous-Alexander hit a last-second jumper to force overtime.

The matchup was filled with tension and near-misses, including an incident where Durant called for a timeout the Rockets did not have, resulting in boos from the crowd of 18,203. Referees did not penalize him for the mistake, as they did not witness his signal, according to crew chief Zach Zarba.

Despite the loss, Durant showcased his potential to elevate the Rockets’ offense. He shot 5 of 6 on two-point jumpers, a rarity for Houston last season. Teammate Alperen Sengun, who scored a game-high 39 points along with 11 rebounds and 7 assists, praised Durant’s impact. “He’s making our jobs easy,” Sengun stated, emphasizing the need for time to develop chemistry.

The Rockets’ starting unit was notable for its height, averaging 82.2 inches, marking the tallest group since records began in 1970-71. Durant’s shift to guard alongside Amen Thompson, who suffered from cramps late in the game, adds a new dynamic to Houston’s strategy under coach Ime Udoka.

Looking forward, Durant expressed optimism about the Rockets’ trajectory, stating, “We make plays as a team. I’m not expected to make every big shot in every close game.” As the Rockets regroup, fans are eager to see how this high-profile roster evolves throughout the season.

This loss serves as a poignant reminder of the razor-thin margins in professional basketball and the weight of expectations on players like Durant. With more games ahead, the Rockets will aim to bounce back and find their rhythm in a competitive NBA landscape.