Red-hot during the first half with 16 points in 7-of-11 shooting, the Houston superstar got completely neutralized by the Lakers' defense for the remainder of the game.
The Houston Rockets took a tough blow on Monday evening in front of their home crowd, enduring a 100-92 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant
Team: Houston Rockets
Position: PF
Age: 37
Height: 211 cm
Weight: 109 kg
Birth place: Washington, United States of America
Although they shot 48 percent from the field, the Rockets saw themselves being clamped down by the Rockets. They shot a brutal 5-of-26 from the three-point line and registered 22 pivotal turnovers.
While the entire group might have struggled, Kevin Durant also believes that he needs to be even better, as Houston failed to prevail over LA without his leadership.
"I lost the game for us tonight—it’s that simple," he told reporters after the loss. "My teammates could have made more threes, too, but it’s on me.
"I’m the offense, and opposing teams are going to use all their resources to keep me from getting comfortable."
Durant was sizzling during the first half, dropping 16 points in 7-of-11 shooting. But in the game's final 24 minutes, he went missing when it mattered the most.
The superstar forward found struggles as the Lakers adjusted their defensive schemes directly against him. LA imposed multiple double-teams against Durant, which significantly cooled down his production.
Durant recorded a lowly two points in 1-of-5 shooting throughout the second half, as he was left helpless and neutralized by the Lakers' tough defense. He also went on to tally a game-high seven turnovers.
Durant still has a chance to redeem himself on Wednesday, as he and the Rockets will face the Lakers again for a key rematch.
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