UPDATE: The Houston Rockets are off to a rocky start, falling to 0-2 after a 115-111 loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 27, 2023. Star forward Kevin Durant expressed that the team’s frustration is a positive sign, as players and coaches are “pissed off” about their early-season performance.
Durant, who scored 37 points in his Houston home opener, stated, “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 showing, which included hitting 16 of 18 free throws, the Rockets could not secure their first win with legends Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwon watching from courtside.
The Rockets’ season started with a heartbreaking 125-124 double-overtime loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. This latest game was similarly close, with a nail-biting finish that left fans yearning for a different outcome. Guard Amen Thompson emphasized the team’s championship-level expectations, stating, “Just feel like we haven’t played a good game yet. Bad games happen, but we are still trying to win those.”
With less than 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Rockets trailed 113-111. Durant attempted to rally the team but saw his teammate Alperen Şengun have his shot blocked by Pistons forward Paul Reed. Detroit guard Cade Cunningham sealed the victory with two free throws shortly after, leaving the Rockets with more questions than answers.
Durant acknowledged the challenge of finding the right balance between taking charge and facilitating for teammates, having scored 14 points in the fourth quarter alone. “It’s a balance I felt like when I came back in that fourth quarter,” he said. “I got aggressive and made them double me, and I think we got some good looks.”
Durant’s performance has been notable, averaging 30 points while shooting 53% from the floor in the early season. He signed a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the Rockets just days ago, highlighting the team’s investment in his leadership.
This urgent situation for the Rockets raises immediate questions about their future games. With fans and players alike eager for a turnaround, the upcoming matchups will be critical. Will the Rockets channel their frustration into a winning strategy? Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story.
