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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 20: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets speaks with the media after the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center on January 20, 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
After making a quick stop in Denver, Colorado, the Houston Rockets are leaving with a blowout loss added to their 40-25 record.
Kevin Durant and the Rockets didn’t have any answers for the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, March 11. They wrapped up the game with a disappointing 129-93 loss.
Houston’s leading scorer for the night was Amen Thompson, who accounted for 16 points in 30 minutes. The reserve Josh Okogie was second in line with his 12 points in 24 minutes off the bench.
Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each contributed 11 points, while Alperen Sengun scored 10 points in 24 minutes. It was an early night for the core guys, who clearly didn’t have it going.
Bad losses happen in the NBA, especially on the second night of a back-to-back set. During the March 10 game against the Toronto Raptors, the Rockets collected a dominant win themselves with a 113-99 victory. It all fell apart the next night, but that’s no excuse for Durant and his team.
Kevin Durant Makes One Thing Clear After The Rockets’ Loss vs Denver
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 02: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a play against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 2, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
“Nah,” Durant said sternly when a reporter suggested that Denver, of all places, is a tough place to play on the second leg of a back-to-back set.
“This is our job. We get paid to do this. Back to backs and all that shouldn’t matter at all.”
NBA Courtside
Kevin Durant was asked if the back to back played a part in the loss to Denver:
“Nah. No. This is our job. We get paid to do this. Back to backs shouldn’t matter at all”
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Durant might not use it as any sort of excuse or way to explain the struggles, but it’s clear the Rockets simply didn’t have it on Wednesday night. Fortunately, they’ve been strong enough to build up some cushion with their success throughout the year.
Where Do The Rockets Stand?
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 19: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball during the first half of the basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 19, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
With a 40-25 record, the Rockets left Denver still holding the third seed in the Western Conference. They are 6-4 over their last 10 games, and have maintained a winning record on the road.
The Los Angeles Lakers are right behind Houston. One win, and the Lakers will flip seeds with the Rockets for the time being. Currently, LA is on a three-game winning streak, despite missing LeBron James during that stretch.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves are creeping up as well. Denver’s win over Houston placed them less than one game behind the Rockets. The Timberwolves are in the same boat, as they have just one more loss than the Rockets, with an additional game played.
The Rockets will get the night off on Thursday, before returning to action on Friday night in Texas.
Durant will continue his season with a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 13.
This season, the star forward is averaging 25.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists throughout his first 62 games with the Rockets. The 18-year veteran continues to produce at a high level at 37 years old.