On Sunday night, the Houston Rockets found themselves in a barnburner against the Paolo Banchero-less Orlando Magic. That Magic squad had been pushing the Rockets to the limit all night long, but Durant and the Rockets had the final say. After nearly throwing away the game towards the end of regulation, it was Durant that hit the dagger from midrange in overtime, finishing with 35 points on the night in a 117-113 victory.
This win moved the Rockets to 9-3 on the season, being every bit as good as advertised after their eventful offseason coming off a 52-win 2024-25 campaign. Durant, in particular, has been incredible after the Rockets acquired him in a blockbuster trade that required them to part ways with Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.
In addition to the 35 points he tallied, he also recorded five rebounds and six assists. In so doing, the Rockets star has tied Russell Westbrook for most games with at least 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists with 174, according to StatMuse.
Stat-sheet stuffing isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Durant. He's perhaps the best bucket-getter the league has ever seen, and in terms of pure scoring, there is hardly anyone who could match the Rockets star in the history of the NBA.
But what makes Durant such an impactful star is that he chips in however he could. He helps on the boards, is unselfish with the basketball, and he even makes his presence felt on defense with his weakside shot-blocking.
At 37 years old, Durant is still one of the best players in the NBA, and he doesn't appear to be anywhere close to slowing down anytime soon.
Rockets need to weather injury woes
The Rockets will be without a few key guys for the next few weeks at the very least. Tari Eason recently suffered a oblique injury that would keep him out for over a month, and he joins Dorian Finney-Smith and Fred VanVleet on the mend.
The likes of Reed Sheppard, Josh Okogie, and even Aaron Holiday have to step up. It's not going to be sustainable for the Rockets to play an eight-man rotation this early in the regular season, so expect head coach Ime Udoka to try and unearth some hidden gems within the next few weeks.
