Kevin Durant emphasized team rhythm and confidence after the Houston Rockets defeated the New York Knicks 111-94 at the Toyota Center on Tuesday. “I think we’ve been on the same page. Our games always come down to knocking down shots. Defensively we on one string. We make the right plays,” Durant said in his postgame press conference.
The star forward credited the team’s early offensive surge, led by himself and Tari Eason. “Tonight we started off shooting with confidence. Tari was incredible to start the game. Reed came out with energy. The energy, effort, and togetherness was there from beginning and we fed off it throughout the whole game,” he added.
Durant highlighted the importance of quick offensive actions in generating scoring opportunities. “Quick actions like that when a team going to just trap me… the more we convert on those actions, the easier that our game is going to be,” he explained, reflecting on a backdoor lob executed in the first quarter.
Alperen Sengun’s unselfish play also drew praise from Durant. “Having a different attack is always good. I just love the way he played tonight. He was trying to get everybody involved. 10 assists, only two turnovers… that’s a great game,” he said. Sengun finished with 13 points and 10 assists while taking only five shots.
Durant acknowledged the progress of the Rockets’ young players, including Eason and Reed Sheppard. “I just love their confidence… Reed straight to the point tonight. Got to it, right as they got into the game. That’s what we’re going to need from them going forward,” Durant stated. He reflected on Sheppard’s development, noting, “For him to come off the bench, get 20 and five after starting the last three games… it shows professionalism.”
Addressing defensive adjustments against traps, Durant emphasized patience and physicality. “If I play at my pace and slow down and use my physicality, then they have my mercy,” he said. He also shared a lighter moment about interactions with opponents: “When I hit a shot, I’m definitely giving them a look, but it’s all in fun. It’s part of the game.”
Durant touched on broader basketball developments, including the return of a WNBA team in Houston and the success of KD athletes like Madison Booker. “I’m so happy for our women’s team making it to the Final Four… She’s having a legendary career,” he said.
On the court, Durant scored 27 points with eight assists as the Rockets dominated early, outscoring New York 37-21 in the first quarter and maintaining double-digit leads for most of the game. Tari Eason contributed 17 points and eight rebounds, while Sheppard added 20 off the bench. The Rockets improved to 46-29, while the Knicks fell to 48-28.
