Kevin Durant took responsibility for Houston’s 100-92 loss to the Lakers on Monday, focusing on shot-making and handling defensive pressure. “I lost the game for us tonight, that simple… I got comfortable in ISO so comfortable coming off pin downs, picking rolls, and they decided not to let me get comfortable no more. So, I got to be smarter, better with the ball,” Durant said.
He addressed the impact of double teams at the top of the key. “Maybe I just need to get out the way, let other guys move the ball… be ready to catch and shoot, be a screener, just be in a dunker spot… provide space for my teammates,” he explained.
Durant reflected on the team’s fourth-quarter struggles. “We didn’t make shots… we five for 26 from the three. I missed two wide open threes when we were up one point, I could have pushed us up four,” he said, emphasizing the effect of missed opportunities.
On handling the ball under pressure, Durant noted, “I take full responsibility for just letting them dictate what I did on the offensive side… I got to find ways to not get in the way of the offense and not bog the offense down with those doubles.”
He explained why he prefers not to be the primary ball handler in high-pressure situations. “I just feel like it makes it stagnant… they wait on me to drive, I know they come in a double, so I wait a split second… the whole process is too slow,” Durant said.
Durant also discussed adjustments with Alperen Sengun out. “No matter who’s on the court, they’re going to do the same things… but of course, Alpi being out there to relieve some of that pressure, be a guy that can finish, knock down shots, make plays… the better for all of us,” he said.
On team cohesion, Durant downplayed disconnection concerns. “I don’t think we’re a disconnected group… defensively, we cut them to 100 points. A disconnected team would not play defense like that… offensively, when the ball is not going in, the mood is just a little off.”
Durant described the road environment at Toyota Center. “Nah, it felt like a Lakers game to be honest… once the playoff time comes, it’ll be nothing but Rockets fans in there,” he said.
The Rockets, who shot just 5-of-26 from three-point range, remain 1.5 games behind the Lakers for third place in the Western Conference. Houston will face Los Angeles again on Wednesday to close the two-game series.
