Durant and the Rockets Puzzle: “If I Control the Pace, I Control the Game”

The Houston Rockets sent a clear message to the league, crushing the New York Knicks 111-94 at Toyota Center. A crucial win for Kevin Durant and his teammates, who now have three straight victories just as the team had been struggling to find its identity.

Despite suffocating defense from specialists like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, Durant took over: 27 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, shooting a precise 55.6% from the field.

I just try to be aggressive when I move to get open. I know that when I catch the ball, the defense gets nervous; for some of them, the only way to guard me is to try and keep me from touching it at all

Kevin Durant

At 37 years old, after recently surpassing Michael Jordan for fifth place on the all-time scoring list, KD continues to show why constant double teams are often useless.

If two weeks ago, following a loss to the Lakers, the Rockets’ superstar had criticized himself for a lack of trust in his teammates, the tone was completely different against the Knicks.

I just try to slow the game down: sometimes I play too fast and rush toward the ball. But if I play at my pace, if I slow down and use my physicality, then I really become in control of the game

Kevin Durant

Houston showed renewed team chemistry – crucial with the playoffs in mind – by overwhelming one of the league’s contenders. During the game, Durant didn’t hold back with trash talking toward the New York bench, confirming that when the pace is his, control of the game is absolute.