Kevin Durant emphasized the importance of offensive rebounds in Houston’s 117-100 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Toyota Center on Saturday. “The more you can get possessions for your team, the better… every shot can’t go down, but if you get a good shot at the rim and put people on the boards, it just adds another layer to your offense,” Durant said, noting that the Rockets grabbed 18 offensive boards.
Durant reflected on the team’s ability to start strong and maintain its lead. “It feels good to start strong, just play a good game for 48…we have to be prepared for any type of fight. We’re getting better and more confident,” he said, highlighting the Rockets’ consistency over the past two games.
Balancing scoring and playmaking was central to Durant’s approach. “A lot of things are determined by my ability to score… defenses protect me based on my ability to score, and that opens things up for my teammates,” he explained, finishing with 30 points, seven assists and four rebounds in just three quarters.
Durant praised the growth of Reed Sheppard’s young guard. “Just his confidence … he and Steven have great synergy in the pick-and-roll … he plays with confidence, and I love what he does,” said Durant, who acknowledged Sheppard’s contribution of 18 points and eight assists off the bench.
While discussing the Rockets’ frequent lineup changes, Durant credited the team’s system for maintaining cohesion. “You’re probably joining the ranks of teams that had more than nine or 10 lineup changes… we have a system that we try to play into every day, so when guys come in they know exactly what to do,” he said.
Durant also discussed the defensive attention he is receiving and how it creates opportunities. “Most teams try to pressure me… if I can get two, three dribbles and pull up before the help gets there, that’s cool… when guys pressure me, I feel like I can get to my spots in the paint,” he said.
He noted the effectiveness of pairing elite shooters with strong offensive rebounders like Steven Adams. “It’s a cheat code… every possession you can add by getting offensive rebounds just adds another layer to your offense,” Durant explained, referring to his third-quarter sequence with Adams that led to a sharp dunk.
Durant highlighted Dorian Finney-Smith’s quick shooting. “He knows exactly how to play, when to shoot, when to drive, when to play for others… that shot he made was perfect,” he said, praising the guard’s floor awareness.
Houston defeated Cleveland 51-42 and shot 49% from the field, including 46% from three, controlling the game from start to finish. Durant rested in the fourth quarter with the Rockets leading by 27, providing a balanced team effort that showcased offensive versatility.
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