The Houston Rockets earned a hard-earned 123-118 win against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Center on Monday, with Kevin Durant and Alpern Sengun doing most of the damage.
What was supposed to be a one-sided affair for the Rockets turned out to be a tight contest as the Wizards played hard with a scrappy group of role players.
However, Washington will finally get a star when Trae Young makes his debut on Thursday against the Utah Jazz. Young missed most of the season due to an MCL injury.
Durant, who cheered the Wizards as a child, expressed his excitement over Young's return. He said that the pairing of Young and Anthony Davis should do wonders As for Washington, who has long been a cellar-dweller.
"He (Young) is dynamic. A guy that can create for everybody, score for himself. He'll make the game easier for everybody else on the floor. He's a true point guard. Right now, they're doing it by committee, so with him being there, it will make everybody's mind and their game easier, and they can just settle into their roles," Durant said in a video on the Space City Home Network.
"I'm excited for the hometown team. I'm also excited for Eddie to wear the jersey and represent the city. I see bright things in his future."
Kevin Durant on Wizards:
"(Trey will make the game easier for everyone else on the field. I'm excited for the hometown team, excited for Eddie to also wear the jersey and represent the city. I see bright things in his future." pic.twitter.com/Ae58p7yClt
- Oh no, he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) 3 March 2026
The Wizards acquired Young and Davis at the trade deadline. When both are healthy, they can provide true two-way production and make the Wizards competitive immediately.
The starting unit of Young, Davies, Bilal Koulibaly, Kishawn George and Alex Sarr has the right mix of experience, youth, strength and agility. They can also be skilled on both ends.
The fresh start could also be good for Young and Davis, who have a combined 14 All-Star Game appearances.
