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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts after defeating the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on January 05, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets made the big decision to trade for Kevin Durant in the offseason. Bringing Durant in just after becoming the second seed in the West was a surprising decision. Durant is now 37 years old, so his drop-off is bound to happen soon.
Yet, Durant has been fantastic with the Rockets. Houston is fourth in the Western Conference standings. With him on the team, Houston has the third-best offense in the NBA. Adding Durant has given them a punch on offense that they didn’t have last season.
Durant hit a game-winning 3-point shot against the Phoenix Suns, and Durant could not have been happier to stick it to his former team.
GettyHouston Rockets forward Kevin Durant drives the ball. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Kevin Durant Goes Off on Suns
Following the game, Durant was extremely pleased to have done that to his former team.
“I don’t mean to sound too dramatic, but I will. To be kicked out of a place and I felt like I’d been scapegoated for the issues we had as a team last year, yeah, it felt good to beat them and hit a game-winning shot.”
Durant was traded by the Suns after Phoenix failed to make the playoffs last year. Phoenix also had to deal with Bradley Beal’s injury, which made it harder for them to win games. Whatever the issue was, it was clear that the Suns did not fit properly together last season.
Houston is very happy that they have Durant now. While his stats are slightly down across the board from what they were a year ago, his advanced stats are better. He has the highest offensive rating of his career so far this season. When he is out there, he is being very efficient.
That efficiency is what has the Rockets believing that they are a contender for the title. Phoenix didn’t have the right players around him last year to capitalize on what makes him truly special. He clearly enjoyed showing that during his game-winner.
GettyHouston Rockets forward Kevin Durant holds the ball. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Rockets Are a True Championship Contender
Durant isn’t the only reason why the Rockets have a real shot to win a championship this season. Alperen Sengun has been playing the best basketball of his career. Reed Sheppard has stepped up in the absence of Fred VanVleet at the point guard position.
Defensively, the Rockets are still a complete menace. They have the sixth-best defense, which is a slight dip from where they were a year ago. They will take the uptick in offense if that means a slight downturn on defense. Rebounding has been a big part of their success, as well.
Durant has a history of injuries, and he is one of the oldest players in the league. Keeping him healthy is going to be key for Houston to make a deep run in the playoffs this season. As he showed against the Suns, he is still an elite offensive weapon.