Kevin Durant Takes Blame After Rockets’ Heartbreaking 2OT Loss

UPDATE: In a stunning NBA season opener, Kevin Durant took full responsibility for the Houston Rockets’ heartbreaking 125-124 double-overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 15, 2023, at Paycom Center. The loss marked a challenging debut for Durant with the Rockets, who struggled despite a stellar performance from teammate Alperen Sengun.

Durant expressed his frustration, stating, “I missed the free throws, and I fouled somebody at the end. I think those two plays are the reason we lost.” His pivotal mistakes came during critical moments of the game, including a foul on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that sent the Thunder’s star to the free-throw line for the game-winning points.

The Rockets seemed poised for victory, leading 124-123 with just 11 seconds remaining in the second overtime. However, Durant’s sixth foul allowed Gilgeous-Alexander to sink the decisive free throws. “I’ve got to stay down, be more disciplined,” Durant admitted, reflecting on his costly errors.

Despite the outcome, the game showcased Durant’s potential impact on Houston’s future. He scored 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, showing flashes of brilliance as he adjusted to his new role. Durant’s performance also highlighted the Rockets’ offensive capabilities, particularly through Sengun, who exploded for 39 points and 11 rebounds.

Sengun’s career-high scoring night complemented Durant’s play, as he noted, “He’s making our jobs easy. With more time, we’re going to get better and better together.” Their synergy on the court hints at a promising season ahead for Houston, despite this early setback.

The game was also a historic moment for the Rockets, as they fielded the tallest starting unit in NBA history, averaging an impressive 82.2 inches in height. This unique lineup featured Durant starting at guard for the first time since 2009, alongside rookie Amen Thompson and veteran center Steven Adams.

As the clock ticked down, the momentum shifted dramatically. With only 9.5 seconds left in regulation, Durant missed a crucial free throw that could have sealed the game for the Rockets. Instead, a last-second jumper from Gilgeous-Alexander sent the game into overtime, where more drama unfolded. Durant’s attempt to call a timeout with just 2.2 seconds left in the first overtime drew a significant crowd reaction, as he was unaware that the team had no timeouts remaining.

“I think definitely he called timeout about three times,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, downplaying the officiating controversy. “They didn’t do it on purpose or anything. It’s just life. You miss things. You make mistakes. You move on.”

Looking ahead, the Rockets will need to tighten their gameplay and learn from this tough experience. Durant emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, “I’m not expected to make every big shot… We all just have to prepare for it.” As this season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how Durant and the Rockets bounce back from this agonizing defeat.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Rockets regroup and prepare for their next challenge, aiming for a swift turnaround after this emotional opener.