UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant hit a dramatic game-winning 3-pointer with just 1.1 seconds remaining, sealing a 100-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. This victory is particularly poignant for Durant, who expressed deep emotions about facing his former team that he felt ‘kicked him out.’
Durant, who scored 26 points in the game, reflected on the significance of this moment, saying, “Most definitely, I want to beat that team.” The 15-time All-Star joined the Rockets this summer in a blockbuster trade that saw Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green head to the Suns. His emotional connection to the Suns adds layers to the rivalry, as Durant spent 21/2 seasons in Phoenix.
After the game, Durant candidly admitted, “It feels good to play against a team that booted you out of the building and scapegoated you for all the problems they had.” His comments highlight the competitive nature of athletes, especially against former teams, where personal stakes run high. “I want to show them that I still got some juice in the tank,” he added, underscoring his determination despite his age.
Durant’s tenure with the Suns was marked by high expectations, yet they fell short, losing in the first round of the postseason during the 2023-24 season and missing the playoffs entirely last season. His feelings toward the organization remain complex, with a mixture of gratitude for the players and a desire to prove himself.
“I put all my effort and love and care towards the Suns and the Phoenix area and Arizona in general. But that’s just the business, that’s the name of the game,” Durant stated.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, Durant expressed hope that these feelings will not linger. “By the time I get home tonight, I probably won’t even remember it,” he said, indicating his focus on the future and upcoming games.
As the Rockets gear up for their next matchup, all eyes will be on Durant, who continues to demonstrate his pivotal role in the league and his unrivaled competitive spirit. Fans can expect more thrilling performances as the season progresses.
This latest victory not only boosts the Rockets’ morale but also sets the stage for a heated rivalry moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates as Durant and the Rockets aim to maintain their momentum.
