Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant engaged in a testy exchange with a reporter following his team's 109-93 victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday night. The interaction occurred after Durant expressed frustration with a question regarding his limited role in the offense.
Durant finished the game with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field, along with three rebounds and four assists. When questioned about his low number of shots, Durant became defensive, asking, "Why does that matter to you? We won the game." He further questioned the focus on his performance, noting that teammate Jabari Smith Jr., who scored 14 points after a 30-point effort in the previous game, was not subject to similar scrutiny.
Despite the reporter's attempts to clarify the question, Durant remained insistent. "What does that have to do with anything?" he asked. "Are you just watching me all game? Do you have the solo cam? We won the basketball game, bro."
This game marked the fourth occasion in the Rockets' last eight outings where Durant attempted 10 or fewer shots, and his 12 points represented a season low. Durant, who ranks fifth on the NBA's all-time scoring list, eventually elaborated on his impact beyond scoring.
"My presence on the court, regardless, is opening it up for everybody as soon as I step on the court," Durant explained. "They don’t have to give me the ball. They’re going to double-team. They’re going to shade guys to me. Even when I don’t have the ball. My presence alone is impactful to the game of basketball. I don’t have to shoot. I don’t have to dribble. Just me being out there is going to cause a reaction from the defense. My teammates are taking advantage of it."
Durant is currently averaging 20.8 points per game this season. The Rockets hold a 7-1 record, tying them with the Philadelphia 76ers for the best record in the NBA.