Kevin Durant Takes Blame After Rockets’ Heartbreaking 2OT Loss

UPDATE: Kevin Durant publicly took responsibility for the Houston Rockets’ stunning 125-124 double-overtime defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 24, 2023. The loss marked a disappointing start for Durant, who made his debut with the Rockets at the Paycom Center.

During a postgame interview, Durant expressed deep regret, stating, “I missed the free throws, and I fouled somebody at the end. I think those two plays are the reason we lost.” With the Rockets leading late in the second overtime, Durant committed a critical foul on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sending the reigning MVP to the free-throw line for two winning shots.

The game was particularly emotional as the Thunder celebrated their championship victory with a ring ceremony and raised a banner to the rafters. Despite his efforts, where he scored 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, Durant’s mistakes loomed large. He fouled out with just 2.3 seconds remaining, leaving his team unable to close out the game.

Durant reflected on his critical mistakes, emphasizing the need for discipline in high-pressure moments. “I’ve got to stay down, be more disciplined with those opportunities to get a stop to seal the game,” he remarked, highlighting how pivotal moments can define outcomes.

Earlier in regulation, Durant’s missed free throw with 9.5 seconds left allowed the Thunder to tie the game, showing how slim margins can lead to devastating losses. The Rockets had a chance to seal the win but faltered, leading to a frustrating debut for the star.

In a dramatic twist, Durant also signaled for a timeout that Houston did not have during a critical moment in the first overtime, resulting in a chaotic scene and boos from the 18,203 fans in attendance. Referees did not penalize him, as they did not see the timeout signal, according to crew chief Zach Zarba.

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

Despite the heartache, Durant’s performance showcased the potential of the Rockets’ offense. He excelled in two-point jumpers, hitting 5 of 6 attempts, a stark contrast to last season’s struggles. Alperen Sengun shined alongside him, scoring a game-high 39 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, with Durant emphasizing the importance of teamwork for future success.

“He’s making our jobs easy,” Sengun noted, indicating optimism for the team’s development as they seek to build chemistry. Durant added, “We make plays as a team. Some nights, it’s going to be my night in the fourth. Some nights, it’s going to be Alpi’s.”

As the Rockets regroup after this tough loss, all eyes will be on how they address their execution and discipline in future matchups. Fans are eager to see if Durant can lead Houston to success as they adapt to a new dynamic in the league.