Durant Takes Six Shots as Rockets Beat Celtics
The Houston Rockets beat the Boston Celtics 109-93 on November 2, improving to 7-1. Kevin Durant scored 12 points on six shots and challenged a reporter’s question about his limited attempts.
Houston improved to 7-1 with a 109-93 win over Boston on November 2. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 26 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Durant made five of his six field-goal attempts for 12 points in his 1,209th career game, playing 33 minutes.
Durant took only one shot in 16 minutes after halftime and did not attempt a three-pointer. It was the third time in four games he had taken fewer than 10 shots. He is averaging 12.3 attempts per game, over five below his previous-season rate and six under his career norm.
Asked after the game about his low number of attempts, Durant replied, “We won the game. Why are you singling me out?” He argued that opponents’ defensive attention still benefits Houston, even when he does not shoot or handle the ball.
Coach Ime Udoka said he wanted Durant to stay engaged and move to find chances against defenders denying him the ball. Udoka said their third-quarter discussion was about being more aggressive and finding ways to counter that coverage, while allowing teammates to attack. Houston is second among NBA teams for offensive efficiency, producing 121.2 points for every 100 possessions.
The exchange drew attention on social media, where some users defended the question and others said Durant did not need to take more shots in a win. Houston’s next game is against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 4.