The Houston Rockets are in a hole. Down 2-0 to the Los Angeles Lakers in their first-round Western Conference series, Houston has now scored fewer than 100 points in both games, shooting 39% from the field and connecting on just 29% of their three-point attempts. Tuesday’s 101-94 defeat at home made it clear that something needs to change before Game 3 on Friday.
The Lakers came in without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to injuries. Houston could not take advantage. Instead, Los Angeles dictated the terms of the game, and Kevin Durant found himself at the center of the problem.
Ahead of Game 3, Durant had plenty to say about what went wrong and what comes next.
Durant Addresses the Lakers’ Double Team Scheme
GettyKevin Durant of the Houston Rockets.
Los Angeles made a decision before tip-off: they were not letting Durant beat them one-on-one. From his very first offensive touch, 65 seconds into the first quarter, the Lakers had two defenders on him. That approach did not waver for most of the night.
Durant finished with 20 points in the first half, then managed just three in the third and fourth quarters combined. He attempted only 12 shots total, nearly six below his season average, and committed nine turnovers, five of which came directly out of double team situations. Four of those turnovers landed in the fourth quarter, when the game was still within reach.
Lakers coach JJ Redick explained the thinking simply: “He’s the type of player who can take over a series.” Neutralizing Durant before he could find a rhythm was the entire plan, and on Tuesday night, it worked.
What Durant Plans to Do Differently in Game 3
Durant was candid about the adjustment he needs to make. Rather than trying to pass his way out of double teams, he said he plans to be more assertive shooting over them, which creates opportunities for offensive rebounds and keeps the defense honest. He acknowledged that nine turnovers is not a sustainable number, and that cleaner decision-making in those situations changes the entire dynamic of the series.
His message to Los Angeles was direct: “We’ve got to make them pay.”
The Rockets also need to shoot better as a team. Two games of 39% shooting has made the Lakers’ defensive strategy easier to execute. If Houston starts converting at a normal rate, Los Angeles faces a harder choice every time they send a second defender at Durant.
Final Word for the Rockets
Durant is one of the most gifted offensive players the sport has ever seen. A nine-turnover night against a shorthanded Lakers team is not a sign of decline. It is a sign that the adjustment has not been made yet.
Game 3 is Friday. Durant knows what is coming. The question is whether he and the Rockets can flip the script before the series gets out of hand.
The Lakers are waiting to find out.
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