Durant Sees Positives in Rockets’ Frustrating 0-2 Start

UPDATE: Houston Rockets star forward Kevin Durant expressed optimism despite the team’s disappointing 0-2 start after a narrow 115-111 loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 27, 2023. Durant noted that both players and coaches are “pissed off,” which he believes is a positive sign for the team’s future performance.

Durant emphasized, “We want a better outcome, and it’s early, too. So for us to feel that way, I like that kind of energy.” Despite his impressive performance, scoring 37 points on 9-of-18 shooting and going 16 of 18 from the free throw line, the Rockets fell short in their home opener at Toyota Center with legends Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwon watching from the sidelines.

The game mirrored the Rockets’ previous match against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where they suffered a heartbreaking 125-124 double-overtime loss. Once again, the Rockets found themselves in a tight contest, but players are refusing to settle for moral victories. “Just feel like we haven’t played a good game yet,” said guard Amen Thompson. “We want to play great games. We have championship-level expectations.”

As the clock wound down, the pressure was palpable. With under 30 seconds left and Houston trailing by two, Durant drove the ball, only to see a potential game-tying shot by teammate Alperen Şengün blocked by Pistons forward Paul Reed. Detroit sealed the victory shortly after when guard Cade Cunningham sunk two free throws.

Durant acknowledged the challenge of balancing his scoring with facilitating for teammates, especially in high-pressure moments. “I got aggressive and made them double me,” he explained, noting that he scored 14 points in the fourth quarter while no other Rockets player managed more than three.

With a two-year, $90 million contract extension signed just days before, Durant’s leadership is critical for a team that was the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last season and entered the current season with the fifth-best odds to win the NBA title at 14-1, according to ESPN BET.

As the Rockets look to turn things around, fans are eager to see if the frustration Durant highlights can translate into improvement on the court. The next game is crucial for Houston as they seek their first win of the season. Stay tuned for updates as the Rockets aim to bounce back and fulfill their high expectations.