Kevin Durant Takes Blame After Rockets’ Heartbreaking 2OT Loss

UPDATE: Kevin Durant has stepped into the spotlight following a dramatic 125-124 double overtime loss for the Houston Rockets against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on July 15, 2025. Blaming himself for critical errors, Durant’s performance left fans and teammates reeling just hours after the Thunder celebrated their championship with a ring ceremony.

“I missed the free throws, and I fouled somebody at the end,” Durant stated postgame, clearly distressed over pivotal plays that cost his team the victory. With just 2.3 seconds left in the game, Durant fouled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, allowing him to hit the winning free throws after the Rockets had led 124-123 moments earlier.

The pressure was palpable as Durant, who scored 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, faced the media. “I’ve got to stay down, be more disciplined [with] those opportunities to get a stop to seal the game,” he lamented. The game’s intensity was amplified by a sold-out crowd of 18,203 fans, witnessing a thrilling clash that concluded in heartbreak for the Rockets.

Durant’s struggles were compounded by an earlier missed free throw with the Rockets leading 103-102 in regulation. This missed opportunity allowed Gilgeous-Alexander to sink a pivotal shot that sent the game into overtime.

The night took a chaotic turn when Durant, attempting to call a timeout, inadvertently signaled for one that the Rockets did not possess, leading to confusion and the crowd’s boos. “I think definitely he called timeout about three times,” Gilgeous-Alexander noted, suggesting that the referees simply missed the call, adding, “They didn’t do it on purpose… you make mistakes in life.”

Despite the tumultuous debut, Durant showcased flashes of brilliance that indicate the potential of the Rockets’ offense. He excelled with 5 of 6 success on two-point jumpers, a statistical feat not seen often in recent Rockets history. His teammate, Alperen Sengun, shone brightly as well, scoring a game-high 39 points with 11 rebounds and 7 assists, elevating the team’s performance.

Durant praised Sengun’s offensive contributions, stating, “We’re gonna need that from him as much as we can.” This partnership may prove essential for Houston as they work to fine-tune their game throughout the season.

The Rockets, fielding their tallest starting lineup in over five decades, pushed the boundaries of traditional play, with Durant starting at guard for the first time since 2009. Coach Ime Udoka noted the challenges faced by rookie Amen Thompson, who suffered cramps late in the game.

As the Rockets regroup after this tough loss, the focus shifts to how they can build on the lessons learned in this high-stakes environment. “We make plays as a team,” Durant emphasized, hinting at the collective effort needed in future games.

The next matchup looms as the Rockets look to rebound from this emotional setback, with fans eagerly anticipating how Durant and his teammates will respond. Stay tuned for updates on Houston’s journey as they seek to turn early-season struggles into triumphs.