Kevin Durant Takes Blame After Rockets’ Heartbreaking 2OT Loss

UPDATE: Kevin Durant has publicly taken responsibility for the Houston Rockets’ crushing 125-124 double overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 15, 2023. The game, held at Paycom Center, marked a rough debut for Durant in a Rockets uniform as he missed crucial free throws and committed a late-game foul that shifted momentum away from Houston.

In a candid postgame interview, Durant stated, “I missed the free throws, and I fouled somebody at the end. I think those two plays are the reason we lost.” With only 2.3 seconds remaining in the game, Durant fouled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, allowing him to score the winning free throws. This pivotal moment came after the Rockets had led 124-123 with just 11 seconds left in the second overtime.

Durant finished the game with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting but fouled out, a significant blow to the Rockets as they sought to secure a victory. The emotional weight of the game was compounded by an NBA championship celebration for the Thunder, who unveiled a championship banner and held a ring ceremony prior to tip-off.

The game was fraught with tension, particularly in the closing moments. Earlier, Durant missed a crucial free throw while Houston was leading 103-102 in regulation. Although he made the second, Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch shot sent the game into overtime, maintaining the pressure on Durant and the Rockets.

In a moment that could have added to the chaos, Durant called for a timeout without one being available in the first overtime. The crowd of 18,203 erupted in boos, but officiating crew chief Zach Zarba confirmed that the referees did not penalize Durant as they did not observe the call.

Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Rockets. Alperen Sengun shone brightly with a game-high 39 points, showcasing the potential of the Rockets’ offense. Durant praised Sengun’s performance, stating, “We’re going to need that from him as much as we can. Getting downhill, making plays… he shot it with confidence.”

Durant’s presence on the court, alongside new teammate Amen Thompson, who struggled with cramps, marks a new chapter for the Rockets. The team fielded the tallest starting lineup in an opener since 1970, averaging 82.2 inches, a testament to their unique strategy for the season.

As the Rockets look to rebound from this tough loss, the focus will be on learning from mistakes. Durant emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, “I’m not expected to make every big shot in every close game. We all just have to prepare for it.”

The Rockets will need to quickly shake off this defeat as they prepare for their next matchup, aiming to incorporate the lessons learned from this heartbreaking game. Keep an eye on how Durant and the Rockets adjust moving forward in this high-stakes NBA season.