Kevin Durant Takes Blame for Rockets' Loss to Thunder After Missed FT, Foul on SGA

Kevin Durant isn't pointing the finger at anyone but himself after his first game with the Houston Rockets.

"I missed the free throw (in regulation) and I fouled (SGA) at the end to put them up one," he told reporters after Tuesday's 125-124 double-overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. "I think those two plays are the reason we lost."

Durant had a chance to put Houston up three in the final 10 seconds of regulation but made just one of two free throws, which opened the door for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to hit from mid-range and force overtime.

The future Hall of Famer also fouled Gilgeous-Alexander with 2.3 seconds left in double-overtime, and the reigning MVP hit the ensuing two free throws to give the Thunder the lead for good.

While those were two critical plays, Durant also played well for extended stretches.

He finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and three assists behind 9-of-16 shooting from the field, although he was 0-of-4 from deep and fouled out. His and-1 and assist to Alperen Şengün in the closing stretch of the double-overtime put the Rockets ahead by one before SGA drew the foul that ended up being the difference.

Rockets-Thunder Full Highlights

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Houston surely envisioned Durant as a veteran leader for a young core when it traded for him this offseason, and shouldering the blame after a loss is a sign of that leadership.

Ultimately, though, the visitors didn't have enough answers for Gilgeous-Alexander when the game was on the line. After holding him relatively in check for the majority of the game, the reigning scoring champion took over in the fourth quarter and the extra periods to lead the Thunder to the win.

It was a much-needed showing since Jalen Williams was sidelined by a wrist injury and Chet Holmgren fouled out. SGA finished with 35 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in a statement performance against a fellow Western Conference contender.

This was just one of 82 regular-season games, and there is plenty of time for the Rockets to bounce back. Durant will likely be more aggressive seeking out his shot in future contests, especially when he is more comfortable with his new teammates.

And he will likely be the crunch-time hero in some of those future games even if he blamed himself for the opening loss.