Kevin Durant hit a 3-pointer from 27 feet with 1.1 seconds left to lift the Houston Rockets past the Phoenix Suns 100-97 on Monday. “I’m just giving up a wide open shot so they don’t… challenge other guys to beat him that late,” Durant said of the final play.
Durant reflected on his shooting rhythm leading up to the decisive shot. “After missing nine straight, 10 straight threes… I felt like about 10 of them were great when it left my hand. So it was good that one went down,” he explained.
The veteran also addressed the defensive effort that created the late chance. “We struggled to start the third, but defensively … we gave up 18, 19 points in the third and fourth quarters. That was insane,” Durant said.
He described the emotions of facing his former team, noting the personal significance of the moment. “It feels good to play against a team that took you out … and I felt like I was made a scapegoat because of the problems we had as a team last year,” Durant said.
Durant praised the support of his teammates, especially on defense. “I mean him, Tari, Bari, Josh… Book is a Hall of Famer and you pretty much need two or three guys to guard him at all times,” Durant said of containing Devin Booker.
He also shared his approach to shots in the late game. “It can be difficult sometimes to navigate through that jungle of players. It’s all a learning experience… it makes me better and more comfortable,” he explained.
Durant emphasized execution in high-pressure moments. “It makes life a little bit easier… you know I get the ball late, sometimes I had to fight a lot to get to my goal too,” he said.
He reflected on the Rockets’ overall performance despite struggles from deep. “We were nine for 37 from three…it’s encouraging…I like the shots we’re generating all the time,” Durant said.
Durant also noted the adjustment needed during unusual in-game situations. “All the clocks were broken there in the first half… probably both teams threw away a few possessions and then we found out,” he said.
On the impact of the win, Durant said it was important for the team and the fans. “It’s great for the fans… it was great for our team to get a W and move on,” he added.
Houston was led by Durant’s 26 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson each contributed 17 points, helping the Rockets’ limited three-point shooting and brief scoring drought.
The Rockets now prepare for back-to-back road games in Portland, while Phoenix travels to Memphis. Durant emphasized how to move forward: “By the time I get home tonight, I probably won’t even remember it…I’ll do my best to forget about it and move on to the next game.”
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