Unlike what many might expect, Durant did not blame the referees or his teammates, but instead took direct responsibility.
The drama of double overtime and a poetic return to OKC
The irony of the matchup did not go unnoticed. The team that caused his disappointment was the very one Kevin Durant led to the NBA Finals in 2012, the Thunder.
His return to Oklahoma City promised a poetic moment but ended up as a game full of tension and nostalgia.
“Those opportunities to get a stop and seal the game don’t come around to often,” said Rockets forward Kevin Durant about missing a free throw and fouling SGA late in double overtime. He blamed the loss on himself…#Rockets #Sarge @TheRocketsWire pic.twitter.com/bbUMBGHZiV
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) October 22, 2025
Every possession was loaded with pressure and memories. The double overtime extended the drama, and Durant seemed to be battling both his ghosts and OKC defenders.
Even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander commented on the final sequence: “Kevin called a timeout like three times. The referees just didn’t see it. That’s life,” SGA explained. If it had been called, OKC would have received a technical foul and might have avoided five extra minutes. However, chaos prevailed.
Kevin Durant leadership and lessons from the game
Despite the loss, Kevin Durant showed his class and leadership. He made 9 of 16 field goals, controlled the game’s pace, and created key opportunities for his teammates, including decisive assists to Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.
His defense on Gilgeous-Alexander was outstanding, limiting the young star’s attacking options.
The late-game error will stick in Kevin Durant memory, but it does not define his legacy. The two-time NBA champion and 15-time All-Star focuses on building Houston culture, leading a young and growing team with transparency and determination. Every loss, every lesson, strengthens Durant as a leader.
