A testy Kevin Durant got into a verbal exchange with a reporter after the Rockets’ 109-93 win over the Celtics on Monday night, as the NBA superstar took issue with a question about his limited role in the offense.
Durant had just 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field, while pulling down just three rebounds and recording four assists. When asked about what happened with his limited number of shots, Durant became defensive and the exchange became heated.
“Why does that matter to you? We won the game,” Durant said. “Why are you singling me out? [Jabari Smith Jr.] had 30 last game and only had 14 tonight. Are you going to talk about his variety?
Durant didn’t let up as the reporter tried to better explain the question.
“What does that have to do with anything?,” the Rockets star said. “Are you just watching me all game? Do you have the solo cam? We won the basketball game, bro.”
Monday marked the fourth time in the last eight Rockets games that Durant attempted 10 or fewer shots and his 12 points were a season low.
Durant has been historically one of the best scorers in NBA history, sitting fifth on the all-time scoring list.
Eventually, Durant did answer about how his on-court presence affects what his teammates can do.
“My presence on the court, regardless, is opening it up for everybody as soon as I step on the court. 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,” Durant said. “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 averaging 20.8 points per game this season, and the Rockets are tied with the 76ers for the best record in the NBA at 7-1.
