Durant Sees Hope as Rockets Fall to 0-2 After Pistons Loss

UPDATE: The Houston Rockets are reeling after a 115-111 loss to the Detroit Pistons on October 27, 2023, dropping them to an alarming 0-2 start this NBA season. Star forward Kevin Durant observed that both players and coaches are “pissed off,” but he believes this early-season frustration could be a positive sign for the team.

Durant expressed his thoughts immediately following the game, stating, “Coaching staff is pissed off, players are pissed off. We want a better outcome, and it’s early, too.” The Rockets’ performance has left fans and players alike eager for improvement as they seek their first win of the season.

Despite Durant’s impressive 37 points on 9-of-18 shooting and a remarkable 16-of-18 from the free-throw line, it wasn’t enough to secure a victory in front of Rockets legends Yao Ming and Hakeem Olajuwon, who were present at the game.

The Rockets’ struggles mirror their season-opening 125-124 double-overtime loss to the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both games have been closely contested, but players are refusing to accept moral victories, especially with high expectations set for a team that was the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last season.

Guard Amen Thompson emphasized the team’s championship aspirations, saying, “Just feel like we haven’t played a good game yet. We can’t keep saying that all the time. We have championship-level expectations.” The Rockets are determined to improve their performance as they face the challenge of living up to their 14-1 odds of winning the NBA title according to ESPN BET.

As the game reached its climax, the Rockets were down 113-111 with less than 30 seconds remaining. Durant attempted to orchestrate a play but ultimately passed to Alperen Şengun, whose shot was blocked by Pistons forward Paul Reed. Detroit guard Cade Cunningham secured the win by sinking two free throws shortly after.

Durant, who signed a $90 million contract extension with the Rockets just days ago, is still adjusting to his new role. He acknowledged the need to balance taking over games and allowing teammates to find their rhythm. “It’s a balance I felt like when I came back in that fourth quarter,” Durant explained. “I got aggressive and made them double me, and I think we got some good looks.”

Currently, Durant is averaging 30 points per game, shooting 53% from the field and 43% from beyond the arc. As the Rockets prepare for their next matchup, fans will be watching closely to see if this talented roster can rally and secure their first win of the season.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Rockets as they navigate this challenging start to the season.