Kevin Durant\u2019s Houston debut ended in frustration as the Rockets fell 125-124 in double overtime to the Oklahoma City Thunder on ring night, and the veteran star immediately put the loss on himself. Durant finished with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting, but he pointed to a missed free throw in the final seconds of regulation and a late foul on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the second overtime \u2014 which led to the deciding free throws \u2014 as turning points he believes cost Houston the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the painful finish, Houston had reasons for optimism. Alperen \u015eeng\u00fcn delivered a monster performance with 39 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 made threes, showcasing his growth as a centerpiece of the offense. The Rockets\u2019 ultra-tall lineup \u2014 four players 6-11 or taller \u2014 flashed potential on both ends, but lapses in late-game defense and composure undermined the effort. Head coach Ime Udoka praised the fight and execution for most of the night but admitted the details down the stretch \u201cseparated winning from losing\u201d in a game the Rockets felt they should have taken.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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