Kevin Durant finds his rhythm in Houston
Kevin Durant’s recent tenure with the Phoenix Suns has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Over three seasons, he navigated through three different head coaches: Monty Williams, Frank Vogel, and Mike Budenholzer. The Suns parted ways with Budenholzer before the current season, opting to bring in Jordan Ott, a decision that has already yielded better-than-expected results for the team.
In Phoenix, Durant’s postseason experiences were less than stellar. He managed only one significant playoff run, which ended in disappointment—a second-round exit alongside Devin Booker that left fans yearning for more. The following year saw the Suns eliminated in the first round, and the year after that, they didn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament. Those struggles, however, are now a distant memory for Durant, who has relocated over 1,100 miles to Houston after being traded this offseason.
A fresh start with the Rockets
In Houston, Durant seems to have found a perfect match with the Rockets. Under the guidance of coach Ime Udoka, the team’s focus has shifted towards integrating veterans and championship-level players to complement their young roster, which has primarily been formed through the draft. This strategic approach has given the Rockets a promising foundation.
Durant is determined to ensure that his time in Houston significantly outshines his previous experiences in Phoenix. His trainer, Dash Lovell, shared insights with insider Mark Medina regarding Durant’s proactive approach since the trade. Shortly after joining the Rockets, Durant immersed himself in film study, analyzing game tape of his new teammates, particularly Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun.
“He watched film on where guys like getting the ball. He watched film on his teammates,” Lovell explained. “There was a lot of film study… trying to get familiar with each player and understanding what they do well and don’t do well.” This meticulous preparation has been crucial for seamlessly transitioning into the Rockets’ system.
Embracing the game again
In addition to his film work, Durant has also focused on enhancing his game against double teams and has trained alongside notable players such as Evan Mobley, Chet Holmgren, Darius Garland, Trae Young, Paul George, and former Rockets forward Michael Beasley. Lovell noted a noticeable shift in Durant’s demeanor, highlighting that he appears to be enjoying the game once more, describing him as “having fun again.”
Currently, the Rockets are thriving, boasting the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, and Durant is on track for another All-NBA season. His performance has been impressive, averaging 25.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, all while shooting 50.5 percent from the field. His three-point shooting stands at 38.4 percent, and he maintains an impressive free-throw percentage of 89.
Moreover, his effective shooting percentage is 55.4 percent, and his true shooting percentage is an outstanding 62. Despite the high level of efficiency, Durant is taking just 17.4 shots per game, marking his lowest attempts in five years.
As the Rockets continue to rise, Durant’s resurgence in Houston is a testament to his adaptability and dedication, leaving the struggles of Phoenix firmly in his rearview mirror.
