Kevin Durant praised Houston’s defensive effort in their 102-95 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. “Just think our physicality ramped up… we had to really be locked in today,” Durant said, noting the team held Los Angeles to 40% shooting.
Durant emphasized the team approach on offense. “We doing it all by committee… Reed and Twin been kind of playing our point guards throughout the whole year. Reed coming off the bench… he’s been a spark plug for us,” he said, highlighting the role of Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson in facilitating.
Reflecting on individual performances, Durant acknowledged his own workload while noting room for improvement. “I took 22 shots… we had 16 turnovers, I had five of them… we can always be better, but we did have some great plays tonight,” he said, stressing ball movement as a key area for growth.
Durant also praised the Rockets’ transition game. “That’s going to be the calling card for us most nights… we want to get our hands on the basketball, get out and run, try to get as many easy points as we can,” he said, pointing to the team’s defensive-to-offensive conversion.
The veteran shared excitement about sharing All-Star Weekend with Alperen Sengun. “Always fun having teammates at that weekend… celebrating the game, celebrating the season thus far,” Durant said.
Durant reflected on his meeting with Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon. “Just somebody who’s a pioneer… I got so much respect for Dream and what he brought to the game… I want to represent the Rockets just as well as he did,” Durant said, underscoring the importance of honoring the franchise’s history.
On team defense, Durant praised Houston’s collective shot-blocking. “When you got three or four guys that can contest well and get their hands on the basketball, it kind of puts the offense in a bind… that’s what great shot blockers do,” he said, citing the team’s top-five ranking in blocks this season.
Durant also noted the value of Rockets alumni. “PJ Tucker… my brother, one of my hosts on my visit at Texas… once a Rocket, always a Rocket,” Durant said.
Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 26 points while Alperen Sengun added 22 and Amen Thompson contributed 16 in his return from illness. Reed Sheppard scored 16, and Jabari Smith Jr. recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds in the win.
The Rockets improve to 33-19 and will host the Clippers again on Wednesday before the All-Star break.
