Durant Takes Blame After Rockets’ Heartbreaking 2OT Loss

UPDATE: Kevin Durant is taking full responsibility following a crushing 125-124 double-overtime loss for the Houston Rockets against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 24, 2023. The defeat came during a highly anticipated debut for Durant at the Paycom Center, where the Thunder celebrated their recent NBA championship.

Durant, who scored 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, believes two critical mistakes cost the Rockets the game. “I missed the free throws, and I fouled somebody at the end. I think those two plays are the reason we lost,” he stated after the game.

The Rockets had a chance to seal the victory when they led 124-123 with just 11 seconds remaining in the second overtime. However, a crucial foul by Durant on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sent the reigning MVP to the free-throw line, where he made the game-winning shots. “Fouled Shai, put them up one. I’ve got to stay down, be more disciplined,” Durant reflected.

This game marked a significant moment for the Thunder as they raised their championship banner, adding pressure to Durant’s performance. The game turned in the final seconds of regulation when Durant missed a crucial free throw that could have put the Rockets ahead by two, allowing Gilgeous-Alexander to hit a clutch jumper and send the game into overtime.

In the first overtime, a potential disaster struck when Durant attempted to call a timeout that the Rockets didn’t have. Crowd boos echoed through the 18,203 fans in attendance as teammate Alperen Sengun rushed to stop him. Referees later confirmed that Durant did not receive a technical foul because officials did not see the timeout signal.

“I think definitely he called timeout about three times. The refs just missed it,” Gilgeous-Alexander commented. “You make mistakes in life, and you move on.”

Despite the tough start, Durant showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the latter stages of the game. He excelled in two-point jumpers, hitting 5 of 6 attempts, a feat that only one player achieved for the Rockets last season. “He’s making our jobs easy,” said Sengun, who scored a game-high 39 points and contributed significantly to the Rockets’ offense.

Durant’s debut was also notable for the Rockets’ lineup, featuring the tallest starting unit in the NBA since 1970-71, averaging 82.2 inches. The unique configuration included Durant starting at guard for the first time since 2009, paired with Amen Thompson, who experienced cramps late in the game.

“We make plays as a team,” Durant emphasized. “I’m not expected to make every big shot in every close game. Some nights, it’s going to be my night; other nights it will be Alpi’s.”

This loss raises questions about the Rockets’ future performance as they adjust to Durant’s presence on the team. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Houston bounces back in their next match-up.

Stay tuned for updates as the Rockets look to regroup after this heartbreaking loss.