Kevin Durant debut for the Houston Rockets had all the ingredients for a storybook revenge night — except the ending. Facing his former team on opening night, Kevin Durant and the Rockets fell agonizingly short, losing 125–124 in double overtime to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a thriller that felt more like a playoff showdown than Game 1 of the regular season.
For much of the game, the Rockets looked poised to spoil the reigning champions’ banner night. Houston led by as many as 12 points in the third quarter and controlled the pace behind solid defense and balanced scoring. But as they’ve done so often in recent years, the Thunder clawed their way back behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose composure and shot-making kept Oklahoma City alive before they finally edged ahead in the second overtime.
Kevin Durant — traded to Houston this offseason and fresh off signing a two-year, $90 million extension — was visibly frustrated after the loss. He pinpointed two key moments that, in his view, swung the game away from the Rockets.
“I think those two plays are the reason we lost,” Kevin Durant admitted, via Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle.
He was referring to a missed free throw in the final seconds of regulation that could have sealed the win, and a late foul on Gilgeous-Alexander in the second overtime that ultimately gave Oklahoma City the deciding points.
A Strong Debut Overshadowed by Costly Moments
Statistically, Durant had a solid first outing in Rockets colors — 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists — but it wasn’t quite the vintage KD performance fans had hoped for. He missed all four of his three-point attempts and, despite scoring efficiently from midrange, was visibly frustrated by the miscues that defined the final minutes.
His final act of the night came on that foul with seconds remaining in double overtime. Gilgeous-Alexander calmly sank both free throws, giving the Thunder the one-point win and handing Durant his first loss in Houston.
Looking Ahead
For Durant and the Rockets, the narrow loss stings but it also offers plenty of encouragement. Houston pushed the defending champions to the brink, showing resilience and flashes of chemistry that bode well for the season ahead.
The Rockets won’t have long to dwell on the heartbreak. They’ll return to action on Friday night, when they host the Detroit Pistons a chance for Durant and company to secure their first win of the season and quickly turn the page on what could have been a perfect debut.
