UPDATE: In a stunning double-overtime thriller, the Houston Rockets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 125-124, leaving Kevin Durant grappling with self-blame for key mistakes that cost his team the game. The matchup, held at Paycom Center on October 24, 2023, marked a difficult debut for Durant, who scored 23 points but fouled out in crucial moments.
Durant, reflecting on the loss, stated, “I missed the free throws, and I fouled somebody at the end. I think those two plays are the reason we lost.” His comments underscore the emotional weight of the defeat, especially as the Thunder celebrated their championship victory with a ring ceremony.
The Rockets led 124-123 with just 11 seconds remaining in the second overtime when Durant committed his sixth foul against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This foul sent Gilgeous-Alexander to the free-throw line, where he clinched the game-winning points. “I’ve got to stay down, be more disciplined [with] those opportunities to get a stop to seal the game,” Durant added.
In a dramatic turn of events, Durant also missed an essential free throw with 9.5 seconds left in regulation, a moment that could have secured a Rockets victory. His first attempt failed while the Rockets held a narrow 103-102 lead. Despite making the second, they were unable to maintain control, allowing the Thunder to tie the game and push it into overtime.
“I think definitely he called timeout about three times — verbally and physically with his hands,” said Gilgeous-Alexander regarding a controversial play where Durant signaled for a timeout the Rockets did not have. “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, particularly in a new offensive setup facilitated by Alperen Sengun, who netted a game-high 39 points alongside 11 rebounds and 7 assists. “He’s making our jobs easy,” said Sengun, highlighting the potential for Houston’s offense as they adapt to their new roster.
The Rockets’ starting lineup was notable for its height, averaging 82.2 inches, marking it as the tallest in an NBA opener since the 1970-71 season. Durant’s role as a guard for the first time since 2009 adds another layer of intrigue to the Rockets’ strategy moving forward.
As the Rockets look to regroup, Durant emphasized the importance of teamwork: “We make plays as a team. I’m not expected to make every big shot in every close game.” The Rockets will need to build on this experience as they prepare for their next game, hoping to turn lessons from this heartbreaking loss into future wins.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Rockets continue their season. This loss might sting, but it also offers a roadmap for improvement as Houston seeks to find its rhythm in the competitive NBA landscape.
