Kevin Durant downplayed the significance of his return to Phoenix on Saturday, despite admitting the city remains his favorite place to live in the NBA.
“It’s a normal regular game. I played here for two and a half years, bro. It’s not that deep,” Durant said after the Houston Rockets lost 102-99 to the Suns.
“I love living in Phoenix. I miss it every day, to be honest with you. My favorite place to live in the league. But outside of that, I got no problems with anybody.”
Durant finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 5-for-14 from the field and 1-for-7 from three-point range. He also made 10 of 11 free throws in 38 minutes.
The former Suns forward took responsibility for Houston’s offensive struggles, particularly during the fourth quarter.
“It’s me. I just got to make shots. I think my teammates rely on me in the fourth quarter and I haven’t came through yet,” Durant said.
“I wasn’t aggressive enough to start. I missed too many threes wide open. Five for 14. Like I said, the teammates feed off me. So they see me make shots. They feel confident to make them too.”
Houston shot 39% from the field, going 36-for-93 overall. The Rockets fell behind by 19 points in the second quarter before tying the game 47-47 at halftime.
“They played well. Phoenix played well to start. Knock down shots, move the ball well. They just beat us,” Durant said. “We just couldn’t score tonight. We didn’t score well tonight, and I put that on me.”
Durant also discussed his role in actions involving Fred VanVleet, explaining that his defender rarely leaves him.
“Coach always says that my defender is never going to leave my body,” he said. “So, as much as I could be a decoy slash screener slash just kind of clear space out as much, that’s what he wants me to do. And that’s what I try to do for my guys.”
He added: “I just got to be better at making shots.”
Durant praised Amen Thompson’s defensive performance, highlighting his four blocks and 14 field-goal attempts. He also credited Alperen Sengun for responding after a difficult stretch.
“He was aggressive this game and we feed off of him and Alpi,” Durant said. “Those are the guys that we need to rally behind, especially when they struggling a bit.”
Sengun scored 15 points, while Durant also praised his late scoring contribution. “He’s just a great shot maker,” Durant said. “That’s why he is a Hall of Famer.”
Devin Booker ultimately decided the game, scoring 24 points and breaking a 95-95 tie with a basket before adding a three-pointer. Phoenix snapped an eight-game losing streak against Houston and won consecutive games for the first time this season.
Durant said the Rockets could learn from another close finish, emphasizing the value of reviewing late-game possessions.
“Fourth quarter games and winning tight games is what the NBA is about,” he said. “As much as you can get the reps, as much as you can get that on film and see where, as a coach, see what lineups work, as a player, see what moves, see what angles work.”
Houston hosts Denver on Monday, while Phoenix welcomes San Antonio.
