UPDATE: In a stunning double overtime thriller, the Houston Rockets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 125-124 on October 24, 2023, marking a disappointing debut for Kevin Durant. After the game, Durant took full responsibility for the loss, stating, “I missed the free throws, and I fouled somebody at the end.”
This heart-wrenching defeat occurred at the Paycom Center where the Thunder celebrated their championship win with a ring ceremony. Durant delivered a solid performance, scoring 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, but two critical errors overshadowed his contributions.
Durant’s first mistake came in the dying moments of regulation when he missed a crucial free throw that would have given the Rockets a more comfortable lead. With just 11 seconds left in the second overtime, he fouled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sending him to the free-throw line for the winning shots. “Fouled Shai, put them up one,” Durant lamented. “I’ve got to stay down, be more disciplined.”
The game marked a significant moment for Houston, yet the excitement quickly turned into disappointment as Durant’s mistakes proved costly. The Rockets had a chance to seal the win, leading 124-123 late in the second overtime, but Durant’s foul turned the tide.
In a moment of chaos, with just 2.2 seconds left on the clock, Durant attempted to call a timeout that the Rockets did not have, leading to a cascade of boos from the crowd of 18,203. Referees did not penalize him for the infraction, a decision acknowledged by crew chief Zach Zarba, who stated none of the officials saw Durant signal for a timeout.
“I think definitely he called timeout about three times,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I think the refs just missed it, but that’s life. You make mistakes in life, and you move on.”
Despite the loss, Durant showcased flashes of brilliance that promise a bright future for the Rockets. He excelled in two-point jump shots, hitting 5 of 6, a feat that had only been achieved once by a Rockets player last season. His performance hints at the potential of Houston’s offense as they adapt to a new system.
Alperen Sengun starred alongside Durant, scoring a game-high 39 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Durant praised Sengun’s contributions, emphasizing the importance of teamwork. “We’re gonna need that from him as much as we can,” Durant said.
The Rockets fielded the tallest starting lineup in their history, averaging 82.2 inches in height, a notable statistic since records began in the 1970-71 season. Coach Ime Udoka noted the lineup’s unique dynamic, particularly with Durant starting at guard for the first time since 2009.
Looking ahead, the Rockets are poised to improve as they adjust to their new roles. Durant emphasized the collective responsibility of the team, stating, “I’m not expected to make every big shot in every close game. I just feel like my presence out there can ease the tension for everybody.”
As the Rockets regroup from this narrow defeat, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Durant and the team bounce back in their next matchup. The urgency for improvement is palpable, and the stakes are high as the Rockets aim for a successful season.
