Kevin Durant hit a 27-foot three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining to lift the Houston Rockets past the Phoenix Suns 100-97 on Monday. “I just give up a wide open shot so they won’t… dare other guys to beat him that late,” Durant said about the final play.
Durant reflected on his shooting rhythm leading up to the decisive shot. “After missing like nine straight, 10 straight threes… I felt pretty much 10 of them felt great leaving my hand. So it was good that one went down,” he explained.
The veteran also addressed the defensive effort that set up the late opportunity. “We struggled to start the third, but defensively… give up 18, 19 points in the third and fourth quarters. That was insane,” Durant said.
He described the emotions of facing his former team, noting the personal significance of the moment. “It feels good to play against a team that booted you out… and felt like I’d been scapegoated for the issues we had as a team last year,” Durant said.
Durant praised his teammates’ support, especially on defense. “I mean him, Tari, Bari, Josh… Book is a Hall of Famer and you need pretty much two or three guys to guard him at all times,” Durant said about containing Devin Booker.
He also shared his approach to late-game shots. “Being able to navigate through that jungle of players… sometimes could be tough. It’s all learn experience… it’s making me better and more comfortable,” he explained.
Durant emphasized execution in high-pressure moments. “It makes life a little easier… you know I’m getting the ball late, sometimes I got to fight through a lot too to get to my shot,” he said.
He reflected on the Rockets’ overall performance despite struggles from deep. “We were nine for 37 from the three… it’s encouraging… I like the shots that we’re generating throughout,” Durant said.
Durant also noted the adaptation required during unusual in-game situations. “All the clocks were broken there in the first half… probably threw both teams off for a couple possessions and then we figured it out,” he said.
On the impact of the win, Durant said it was significant for the team and the fans. “It’s great for the fans… it was great for our team to get a W and just keep it pushing,” he added.
Houston was led by Durant’s 26 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson contributed 17 points each, helping the Rockets overcome limited three-point shooting and a brief scoring drought.
The Rockets now prepare for consecutive road games at Portland, while Phoenix travels to Memphis. Durant stressed moving forward: “By the time I get home tonight, I probably won’t even remember… I’ll try my best to forget about it and move on to the next game.”
