In the eyes of the former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins, the Houston Rockets are the “dumbest” and “most selfish” team in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Following a Game 2 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers, Perkins didn’t hold back on Ime Udoka’s squad, who rolled out Kevin Durant in the playoffs for the first time.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 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)
âThe Rockets are the dumbest team and the most selfish team in the postseason,â Perkins said on Get Up on Wednesday morning. âJJ Reddick is coaching his ass off so much that heâs coaching circles around Ime Udoka.
âWe could blame Kevin Durant for those nine turnovers, but we could also blame Ime Udoka for having Kevin Durant in that position, knowing they are going to send two people at him every single time to double him.â
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 27: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets reacts to an offensive foul called on Kevin Durant #7 (not pictured) during the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Toyota Center on October 27, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Rockets dropped two games in a row to open up their first-round series. They missed Durant again in Game 3, as the veteran forward suffered a sprained ankle.
But even without Durant, a desperate Rockets team has the talent to put up a fight. And they did–but still lost in an overtime thriller with plenty of self-inflicted wounds down the stretch.
Kendrick Perkins Doubles Down on Rockets Take
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 18: (L-R) Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins attend the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game during the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend at Wolstein Center on February 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Not even an hour after the Lakers closed out Game 3 with another victory over the Rockets, Perkins took to social media to reiterate his point.
via Kendrick Perkins on X: Donât mind me
At this point of the postseason, not many will argue with Perkins’ point.
The Rockets have a massive advantage against Los Angeles. The Lakers are missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, while relying heavily on the 41-year-old LeBron James.
Yet, the Rockets haven’t figured out a way to seal a game with a victory. At this point, the Rockets are in do-or-die mode until the end of the round. Their odds of winning the series that many predicted them to take have lowered to nearly impossible levels.
The Rockets and the Lakers will take the court for Game 4 on Sunday at 9:30 PM ET.
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