Kevin Durant Breaks Silence on 9-Turnover Performance After Rockets’ Loss to Lakers

The Houston Rockets fell to the Los Angeles Lakers 101-94 in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, leaving them down 2-0 as the series shifts to Houston. The return of Kevin Durant was expected to stabilize the Rockets after he missed Game 1, but the result followed a similar pattern with Los Angeles controlling key stretches.

Durant opened strongly, scoring 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting in the first half. However, his impact declined after the break as the Lakers adjusted defensively. He finished with 23 points but managed only three in the second half, while committing a game-high nine turnovers, the most in his playoff career.

The loss highlighted ongoing offensive issues for Houston, which shot 40% from the field and 7-of-29 (24%) from three-point range. With the series now shifting to the Toyota Center for Game 3, Durant addressed his performance and the adjustments needed moving forward.

Kevin Durant Addresses Turnovers and Shot Selection vs Los Angeles Lakers

GettyHouston Rockets forward Kevin Durant

Durant took responsibility for the nine turnovers, pointing to decision-making against double teams as a key issue.

“I think I gotta be better at not putting my teammates in bad positions when I swing that ball,” Durant said, via The Athletic’s Will Guillory. “Sometimes I could beat the double, get down here, make the shot a little easier for them, shoot the ball.”

He explained that his intent was to make the correct read but acknowledged a need to be more aggressive as a scorer.

“I’m trying to make passes, I’m trying to make the correct, swing the ball sometimes, but I feel like I gotta shoot more of those and put my teammates in better position,” Durant said. “When two to three people want me, I shoot the ball, we can get off as a rebound.”

Durant added that he saw opportunities to attack the defense more directly.

“But I feel like I gotta be more aggressive to look to score no matter where the double team come from, no matter who’s doubling. There’s plenty of times I feel like I could just shoot over those guys.”

The Lakers frequently sent multiple defenders, including Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt, to disrupt Durant’s rhythm and force the ball out of his hands. The approach led to turnovers and limited Houston’s half-court efficiency.

Rockets’ Offensive Struggles Continue Against Lakers

GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant

Despite Durant’s return, Houston struggled to generate consistent offense for the second straight game. The Rockets were held under 100 points again and could not match the Lakers’ shot-making.

Durant acknowledged the broader team issues beyond his turnovers.

“We still got some good looks up at it. 24% from the three, 40 from the field. And tough night shooting the ball for us and they knocked down shots,” he said. “They backcourt at 48 points combined, hit eight threes. And Rui hit three threes himself, so it’s tough.”

The Lakers’ balanced scoring played a major role in the outcome. LeBron James led the way with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Smart added 25 points, including five three-pointers, while Luke Kennard contributed 23 points.

Houston, meanwhile, struggled to maintain efficiency after halftime. Durant’s reduced scoring and the team’s shooting difficulties allowed Los Angeles to control the final stages of the game.

Durant emphasized that improvement is needed, but did not indicate panic within the team.

“They feel confident in us not making shots. It’s that simple. We dominated every other aspect of the game, but they dominated in the shotmaking department. We’ve got to be better.”

With the series shifting to Houston for Game 3, the Rockets will look to adjust offensively and reduce turnovers. Durant’s role as both a scorer and decision-maker remains central as the team attempts to respond after falling behind 2-0.

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