UPDATE: The Houston Rockets are in a *0-2* slump following a heart-wrenching *115-111* loss to the Detroit Pistons last night. Star forward Kevin Durant expressed optimism over the team’s frustration, stating that both players and coaches are “pissed off” about the start to the season.
In his debut home game for the Rockets, Durant scored an impressive *37 points*, shooting *9-of-18* from the field and sinking *16 of 18* free throws. However, the energy from an on-court appearance alongside Rockets legends Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwon was not enough to secure the team’s first victory.
As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, the Rockets trailed *113-111*. Durant attempted to rally the team but faced a crucial block from Pistons forward Paul Reed, preventing a potential game-tying shot from teammate Alperen Şengun. Detroit guard Cade Cunningham sealed the win with two free throws shortly after.
Durant noted the importance of the team’s current mindset, emphasizing, “We want a better outcome, and it’s early, too. So for us to feel that way, I like that kind of energy.” His sentiments reflect the urgency within the Rockets’ locker room, where championship aspirations loom large.
Rockets guard Amen Thompson echoed Durant’s feelings, stating, “We can’t keep saying that all the time. We want to play great games. We have championship-level expectations.” The Rockets were last season’s *No. 2 seed* in the Western Conference and entered this season with a *14-1* chance to win the NBA title, according to ESPN BET.
Despite the setbacks, Durant has shown promise, averaging *30 points* with a shooting percentage of *53%* from the floor and *43%* from beyond the arc. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing aggressive play with allowing teammates to find their rhythm, especially in critical moments when he scored *14 points* in the fourth quarter alone.
As the Rockets regroup, the focus will be on their next opportunity to bounce back. Fans are eager to see if Durant can lead the Rockets to their first win of the season when they face off against their next opponent later this week.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Rockets look to turn their season around amidst rising tensions and high expectations.