標籤: Durants

The Houston Rockets had every reason to feel down on themselves on Friday night. Not only did they dismantle one of the league’s hottest teams, but they did so with a swagger that showed they knew exactly what was going to happen. After the Rockets ended the Atlanta Hawks’ impressive 11-game winning streak with a decisive 117-95 win, Kevin Durant decided to have a little fun with the media during his postgame availability.

Durant, who has faced considerable scrutiny recently regarding his body language and engagement, walked into the press conference room with a bright smile. Before taking the first question, he looked at the assembled reporters and asked, “How was the body language tonight, was it good? What were the vibes like?” The room immediately erupted with laughter, a clear indication of the various narratives that often follow famous scorers.

Kevin Durant after the Rockets blew out the Hawks and ended their 11-game winning streak.

“What was the body language like tonight, was it nice? What were the vibes like?”

(h/t @AdamJWexler)pic.twitter.com/aEnXi8Mv0I

– FullCourtPass (@FullCourtPass) 21 March 2026

The atmosphere on the court at Toyota Center was certainly impeccable. Durant led the way with 25 points, but the real story of the night was his ascent into basketball immortality. During the second quarter, Durant officially passed Wilt Chamberlain to move into fifth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

It was a historic moment that served as the perfect backdrop for an impressive team performance. Jabari Smith Jr. was a force of nature all evening, scoring 23 points and nine rebounds, while Alpern Sengun carried the offense with 15 points and 10 assists.

The Atlanta Hawks had no answer to Houston’s defensive intensity. Nickell Alexander-Walker managed to score 21 points, but the Hawks struggled to find rhythm against a Rockets team that forced them to make difficult shots all night. As the Rockets controlled the glass and the pace, Atlanta’s 11-game run came to a screeching halt. With this win, the Houston Rockets proved that they can compete with anyone when their stars align.

The Houston Rockets lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in back-to-back meetings, going 4-6 in their last 10 games. Kevin Durant and company will need to regroup quickly if they want to avoid missing the playoffs.

The Rockets had no answer for the duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James on Wednesday as they held off the Lakers for a 124-116 win at Toyota Center.

Los Angeles outscored Houston 35–24 in the fourth quarter, earning its seventh consecutive win and making the score 44–25.

Kevin Durant was held to just 18 points on 11 shots. He had six rebounds, four assists and two steals. The Athletic’s Law Murray pointed to a rare example involving Durant.

“Four Rockets attempted more field goals than Kevin Durant in the fourth quarter tonight vs. the Lakers,” Murray wrote on X.

“They’re a tribute to the 2024 (Phoenix) Suns.”

Durant had only two shots in the final period, with Alpern Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason all having more attempts.

During his tenure with the Suns, Durant often shared contact with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, and Eric Gordon. The two-time Finals MVP averaged 18.5 attempts in Phoenix.

However, as The Athletic’s Will Guillory reports, Durant didn’t make a big issue of his lack of shots in the final quarter against the Lakers.

“It’s a team game. I’m getting two shots, it doesn’t matter. We’ve had six guys with double-digit shot attempts, and guys were pretty efficient tonight as well. I don’t think it’s a talking point,” the veteran forward said.

He averages 17.7 attempts with the Rockets.

They’ll look to bounce back on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.

Kevin Durant is not expected to finish his career in Seattle, even as the NBA moves toward a potential expansion that could bring a franchise back to the city.

The league is reportedly targeting both Las Vegas and Seattle for expansion, with a Board of Governors meeting scheduled for next week where an initial vote is expected to take place. Seattle, where the SuperSonics were based before the franchise relocated in 2008, has long been seen as a leading candidate for a comeback.

This possibility has naturally given rise to speculation about Durant, who was originally drafted by Seattle in 2007, possibly ending his career where it began. However, a recent report from The Ringer’s Michael Lee suggests that outcome is unlikely.

Lee wrote, “With the NBA potentially trying to add an expansion franchise in Seattle in 2028 – when he is set to become a free agent and will turn 40 – Durant could be setting himself up for a potential storybook ending with the SuperSonics, the organization that drafted him.”

” But Durant has never been interested in getting back to where he was. When he approached free agency in 2016, he fended off overwhelming offers from his hometown Wizards, and he rejected a deal that would have reunited him with the Warriors last season. He may be more open to nostalgia because being on the Rockets has brought him back to Texas, where he starred in college. But even Joe Athletes are able to leave sports on their own terms, they don’t always choose the ending that makes the most sense, if that were the case, Jordan would have stopped playing after Brian Russell’s bust in 1998.

Kevin Durant focused on Rockets’ playoff push amid Seattle speculation

Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, is focusing on the present as Houston continues its push into the Western Conference. The Rockets currently have a record of 41-26, which ranks them in fourth place in the standings after a 100-92 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

The 37-year-old has continued to produce at an excellent level in his 17th NBA season. Through 64 games, Durant is averaging 25.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game, while shooting 51.4% from the field, 40.2% from three-point range and 88.6% from the free-throw line in 36.5 minutes per contest.

While the idea of ​​a return to Seattle may hold sentimental appeal, Durant’s career decisions have historically prioritized fit and competitiveness over nostalgia.

For now, his focus is on helping Houston maintain its position in the competitive Western Conference race. The Rockets will try to respond in a rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night at 6:30 pm PT as they continue a five-game homestand.

It wasn’t a good night in Colorado, as the Houston Rockets struggled in a 36-point loss to the Denver Nuggets. According to NBA Courtside, after the 129-93 loss, Kevin Durant spoke honestly about the game and whether play played a role on the back end of the back-to-back.

“Kevin Durant asked if back-to-backs played a role in loss to Denver: ‘No. No. That’s our job. We get paid to do it. Back-to-backs shouldn’t matter at all,'” NBA Courtside posted on X.

The Rockets were coming off a 113-99 win over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. Then, they made a change and traveled to Denver for this game. The results did not go as planned and it was the second time in a week that the Rockets faltered.

The Rockets kept it close early, trailing 24–20 after the first quarter, and 53–47 at halftime. But things quickly got out of control in the third quarter, as the Nuggets put up 40 points on them to take a 93–69 lead heading into the third. The deficit was too much for the Rockets to overcome, and Durant was not that productive.

Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 16 points on 8 of 14 shooting. Similarly, Durant added 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting. Jabari Smith Jr. had 11 points, while Alperen Sengun had 10 points. Overall, the team shot 43.3% from the floor, including just 12.1% (4 of 33) from beyond the arc. The Rockets allowed the Nuggets to shoot 55.2% from the hardwood, including 53.1% from triples.

The Rockets will have a day off Thursday and then head home for a showdown with the New Orleans Pelicans before hosting the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

There are not many certain things in life. As the old saying goes, the only inevitables during one’s existence are death and taxes. But someone may have to add the Golden State Warriors, owner of the Houston Rockets, to the list of certainties in this lifetime.

Even with the Warriors battling injuries, Stephen Curry dealing with knee issues, Kristaps Porzingis battling his never-ending battle with illness, and Jimmy Butler being out for the season, they are still finding ways to overcome the Rockets.

On Thursday night, the Warriors assembled a ragtag crew and pulled out an impressive 115-113 victory in overtime, thanks in large part to Kevin Durant’s shortcomings at the free-throw line.

Durant made 33 consecutive free throws on the night. And as bad luck would have it As is the case for the Rockets every time they face the Warriors, they missed twice in a row at the most inopportune time.

With the Rockets trailing by three, 113–110, D’Anthony Melton inexplicably fouled Durant on a three-point attempt. Melton would then thank his lucky stars that Durant missed his third free throw, putting the Warriors ahead by one, 113–112.

And then on the ensuing possession, with Houston trailing by three due to Melton’s putback layup, Durant, who was supposed to make the first free throw and miss the second to give Houston a chance to tie the game, proceeded to do the exact opposite.

What KD did in times of crisis is a bit suspicious

Thanks for the missed free throws and dub though 😭pic.twitter.com/UA8Es98DMh

– WarriorsCulture (@GSWCulture) 6 March 2026

The Rockets lost 115-113, another disappointing effort against a team that looks weak on paper in comparison.

Fans criticize ‘choker’ Kevin Durant for missed FT in Rockets loss

Durant was always going to try his best against his former team the Warriors and former rival Draymond Green. These late free-throw mistakes hurt even more, especially when fans called him “choker” on social media.

X user @JohanMM_ wrote, “Kevin Durant is the greatest choker alive. He missed two free throws in the clutch during overtime.”

@BronsClone said, “Durant was such a choker-worthy snake.”

@WillWentGlobal added, “F**k the Rockets… F**k Kevin Durant. Professional choke artist.”

MIAMI – As the Miami Heat try to shake off their disappointment of avoiding another year of play-in tournament purgatory, head coach Erik Spoelstra will work on building consistency over the final 2o or so games of the season. While Spoelstra looks to lead the Heat, he will also have an even bigger task of leading Team USA in future international play, particularly at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where a big star recently advocated for playing.

Although there was some speculation about Durant not attending alongside stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, the Houston Rockets star shrugged off that conversation to ESPN, adding that his eagerness to play has increased.

“Yeah, I want to play,” Durant said. “I would love to, but I have to be on top of my game, I want to perform on the field and make Grant and whoever is making the decisions want to put me on the team. I don’t want to — not just for seniority. I still want to prove I can help the team win. Today, yes, I feel like I’m going to put my name in that hat.”

If there’s anyone who loved hearing Duran’s comments, it was Spoelstra, as he said before Miami’s game with Houston on Saturday afternoon that the star embodies “the culture of USA Basketball.”

“I mean, it’s incredible for him to say that and that’s the culture of USA Basketball,” Spoelstra said. “You just want the best American players to raise their hand and say, I want to do this. And you can feel his passion to represent the country and America on the jersey. He’s been unbelievable in those competitions. But as far as him, what he’s doing right now, his game is timeless, it really is.”

Erik Spoelstra reacts to Kevin Durant saying he wants to play for Team USA in LA as he approaches 40 years old:

“I mean, it’s incredible for him to say that…”

Full response: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/ES4HSVbXIn

– Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) 28 February 2026

Heat’s Erik Spoelstra on his experience with Kevin Durant on Team USA

Durant’s impact on Team USA Basketball is immense, as he is the men’s all-time leading scorer in Olympic competition and a four-time gold medalist. Currently 37, the star will be approaching 40 by the time of the 2028 Olympics, but there’s no doubt that Durant is still an elite player, as evidenced by his current stint in Houston.

Currently with the Rockets, Durant is averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, while shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from deep. Spoelstra will highlight how timeless Durant’s game is and what he saw from the star when he was an assistant coach on the 2024 gold medal team.

“You look at what he does at this age, and you can book him for 26-plus, shooting 50 percent on jump shots,” Spoelstra said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re there or not. He’s a complete tactician in terms of his work ethic and practice. It’s a great lesson for all the young players coming into the league. Making shots is one thing, and really working on player development is another.”

“And I think it’s an accomplishment that we all had, you know, watching him work during the summer, six weeks after practice, before practice, the days in between, he’s going out there with intent,” Spoelstra continued. “You know, even at this age, trying to get better and improve, what a beautiful mentality to have, so he’s definitely added a lot to his team.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen what Spoelstra’s roster will be like for Team USA in 2028, with Durant having a good chance of being on the team.

Kevin Durant’s recent comments regarding the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and the differences between USA Basketball and European basketball have sparked a huge debate. Durant previously claimed that the criticism against the AAU was a veiled attack on the notion that “black Americans” control the game, and that there was no real reason for the criticism other than arising from racist tendencies.

However, Stephen A. Speaking to Smith, Jay Williams launched a passionate tirade against Durant’s comments, claiming that they represent a racist, victim mentality, according to a post on Ax by ClutchPoints.

“The first argument was about AAU basketball, which is a completely different argument than the Black American thing. I think anytime you bring up race like that, it hijacks the conversation and takes it away from the starting point. It felt a little bit like a racist, victim mentality and it concerned me a little bit because I think criticizing a development system is not a criticism of a race. And we’re talking about development systems for Americans,” he said before mentioning several legends. Who have also talked about the differences between the European approach compared to the United States approach.

“It felt a little bit like a racist, victim mentality… because I think criticizing a development system is not criticizing a race. And we’re talking about development systems for Americans.”

Jay Williams on Kevin Durant’s USA Basketball take.pic.twitter.com/BayDVNIraK

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 26 February 2026

For example, Kobe Bryant previously claimed that in the United States, players are initially taught athleticism, with European schools prioritizing basketball IQ and skill. Bryant did not conclude that the European method was correct and was merely speaking on the differences between the two schools.

Williams said, “The thing that really bothered me about the comment is that we’ve heard American players talk about it for a long time. Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, 2015 Kobe Bryant literally said that European players are taught to play the right way.”

The logic is simple. Williams believes that the criticism, or differences, between the two schools do indeed exist, and that the former players’ argument has never been about proving that the European method works better. Instead, when Durant suggested that the criticism was simply a result of racist tendencies, he was removing the real logic behind the argument.

Williams explained, “He never said European players were better… I felt like when KD said things like that, it seemed a little careless… Black history should never be reduced to a month, it should be American history.”

While KD, undoubtedly a serial winner, may have actually jumped the gun by bringing racism-related discourse into the argument, Williams is merely pointing out that the difference between the two schools of basketball is there for all to see.

Does anyone else still have Olympic fever? With the 2026 Winter Olympics coming to an end, meaning there will be no more afternoon curling tournaments, all of our attention is now focused on the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles, California. After seeing Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry win gold medals in France, could we see these three stars lead Team USA once again?

The spectacle dominated headlines and the basketball world in 2024. There was nothing better than watching these three greats win gold medals in France, and now, USA Basketball can do the same on home soil in two years.

“Golden Dagger!”

Steph Curry This is absolutely ridiculous. 🤯#parisolympics | 📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/8hIN8tgmfK

– NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) 10 August 2024

However, with the 2024 Olympics over, it looks like this will be the last time we see LeBron, KD, and Steph playing together on the court. James told reporters he would be “watching from Cabo” and Curry said he “highly doubts it.”

After all, they are in the final stages of their respective careers, and it’s reasonable to believe that James won’t be in the NBA by the time of the next Olympics.

It’s never too early to consider what the future of USA Basketball will look like, especially now that Durant is hinting at playing in Southern California in two years, shortly after the conclusion of all winter programs in Italy.

Kevin Durant won’t close the door to the 2028 Olympics

When the 2024 Olympics ended and Team USA, led by Durant, James and Curry, won gold medals, everyone’s attention immediately turned to what the future of USA basketball would look like.

Cooper Flagg, who had not yet been drafted, was a popular choice for many to be one of the next to follow in the footsteps of the greats before him. Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker, two other key contributors to the 2024 Olympic team, were also early selections to become the team’s principal “captains”.

Maybe it’s the Olympic love in the air from this year’s Winter Games, but it doesn’t seem like there will be any major changes or a changing of the guard for Team USA just yet, especially after Durant made clear his stance on playing in Los Angeles to ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill.

“You guys, the media, have speculated,” Durant told ESPN about the story of Paris being the veteran athlete’s last Olympic race. “Where did that narrative, the last dance thing, come from? I didn’t say I wasn’t playing. LeBron said he wasn’t playing. You didn’t hear that from me or Steph.”

As far as actually playing, Durant’s answer was simple.

“Yeah, I want to play,” Durant said. “Today, yes, I feel like I’m going to put my name in that hat.”

Well, that settles the matter. Kevin Durant, who will be 39 years old and set to turn 40 in the summer of 2028, wants to play for the Stars and Stripes in the 2028 Olympics. Assuming he’s healthy and obviously doesn’t change his mind, Durant will be the team captain and take one of the 12 coveted roster spots to defend the gold medal in front of the American faithful.

Durant is very proud of American basketball and made his stance on USA vs. the World clear to ESPN.

“I don’t like to talk about the United States versus the European style of how you approach the game,” Durant explained. “‘France is coming for you.’ really? We beat up those boys.”

Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been the faces of basketball’s rapid evolution around the world, but USA Basketball continues to dominate on the world’s biggest stage every four years. Once again, Team USA will enter the 2028 Olympics as the favorites to win the gold medal, and Durant is ready to make that dream come true once again.

Whether Curry will join them is still a big question mark.

Will Stephen Curry join Kevin Durant in 2028?

Before 2024, Steph Curry has experienced basically everything possible in a Hall of Fame career.

He broke the league’s all-time 3-point record, won four NBA championships, led the league in scoring twice, won two MVP awards (one of which was the first unanimous selection), and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team. But the one empty spot in Curry’s massive trophy cabinet was an Olympic gold medal.

Although he played for Team USA at the World Cup, Steph actually pushed to play in the 2024 Olympics, and he was one of the leading voices along with LeBron and Durant to get the best on this roster.

“Personally, it’s something I haven’t been able to experience: being an Olympian,” Curry told Endscape ahead of the 2024 Olympics. “Hopefully we win a gold medal. At this point in my career, it gives me a chance to be present in the moment and enjoy playing basketball. It’s a pure expression of the game.”

The United States won the gold medal as Curry expected, and he was the main reason the team defeated France in the gold medal game. If not for Curry’s heroics and iconic shots from the perimeter, Team USA would not have won the gold medal.

“It was the most surreal feeling, especially the way it ended,” Curry told The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II after the 2024 Olympics. “I felt like a kid again. A 12 out of 10 experience.”

If Curry had so much fun playing in Paris and winning a gold medal, what will it be like to play in Los Angeles and do it again next to Durant? Although LeBron will most likely not be on the team, there is a roster spot for Steph if he wants.

He will be 40 by the time the next Olympics begins, which is why it is too early to speculate about whether Curry will actually consider playing in the 2028 Summer Games. Ultimately, this will be a decision based on Steph’s overall health that year and where he is in his career, especially with the finish line on the horizon.

Durant clearly wants to play, and his words show he wants Steph out there with him, too. For now, we’ll assume that both of these legends will take the United States off their chest at least one more time, leaving 10 spots open for the remaining pool of American players.

Prediction of remaining players of 12-man Olympic roster

If we assume both Durant and Curry will lead Team USA at the 2028 Olympics, who else will be on this roster?

Edwards and Booker, as mentioned earlier, will hold their spots as long as they are healthy. Both stars played integral roles following Curry and Durant in Paris, and they will likely play bigger roles as they enter the primes of their respective careers in 2028.

Flagg is another safe choice, as he’s coming off his third NBA season and is better than ever. After practicing with Team USA in 2024, everyone involved with the program was already raving that he would one day lead the Americans.

Another guard who will likely receive one of the first calls up to play in Los Angeles is Cade Cunningham. Not only has he established himself as one of the best players in the East with the Detroit Pistons, but Cunningham has turned himself into a legitimate MVP candidate. Between his playmaking and scoring abilities off the dribble, Cunningham is the perfect guard for Olympic play.

This leaves six more spots open, some of which need to be filled with frontcourt talent.

Bam Adebayo is a two-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA, and is considered one of the best defensive centers in the world. He will be 31 by the time the next Olympic Games begin, and Adebayo will likely be the starting center for the Americans.

Even with the addition of Adebayo, USA Basketball will need even more height to match Wembanyama and other tall European players, which makes Chet Holmgren a viable option to make his Team USA debut after playing in the FUBA Under-19 Championship.

There is a very clear rivalry growing in the NBA between Holmgren and Wembanyama, and the Oklahoma City Thunder big man is one of the best rim protectors in the world.

The final center spot shouldn’t go to anyone other than Jalen Duren right now. In his fourth NBA season, Duren has become an All-Star big man with his toughness in the paint on both ends of the floor. Duran’s athleticism is evident when watching the international game, especially with his pick-and-roll connection with Cunningham.

There are three spots left, and with Erik Spoelstra replacing Steve Kerr on the sideline, he will want a strong, two-way player on the wing. Enter Jaylen Brown, who has already declared himself the best two-way player in the world and has taken his game to new heights since winning the 2024 Finals MVP.

Brown can score and defend like a top-10 player in the world, which is why he would be one of the key names on Team USA’s roster if the Olympics were starting right now.

Needing at least one more wing who can defend and score, Scottie Barnes stands out. Not only is Barnes viewed as one of the best all-around defenders in the league, but he serves as a “point forward” who can do a little bit of everything on the floor. With his quick instincts as a defender and ability to push the pace, Team USA will have the youth and athletic ability needed to keep up with the rest of the world.

And eventually, one spot is left, and it becomes very difficult to choose from all the remaining talent.

Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum were both on the 2024 Olympic team, but both players suffered major Achilles injuries in the 2025 playoffs. Jalen Johnson and Jalen Williams are two young forwards on the rise, but are they ready to help the country win a gold medal? Then there are All-Stars like Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Maxey who will compete for spots.

If the Olympics were today, I would give Mitchell this last spot for two major reasons: dynamic scoring and perimeter shooting.

We saw how important it was for Curry and others to hit threes in the big time in the 2024 Olympics, and Mitchell is sixth in the NBA with 667 threes over the past three years. He is one of the best offensive players off the dribble in the NBA, and Mitchell’s unselfish play will be needed on this team.

So this is our initial projection for Team USA at the 2028 Olympics:

• Guard: Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, Donovan Mitchell
• Wing: Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Jaylen Brown, Scottie Barnes, Cooper Flagg
• elder: Bam Adebayo, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Duren

Of course, this is not the official Team USA roster, and we’re likely to see some big changes over the next two years before the Summer Games in Los Angeles. Who knows whether Curry will actually play, and health could clearly impact the status of any player competing for a USA Basketball roster spot.

Needless to mention, this year’s 2026 NBA Draft class has a chance to be one of the most historic in league history. Darin Peterson, Cameron Boozer, AJ DiBantsa, Caleb Wilson and Kingston Flemings, among others, could easily make their mark on the NBA like Flagg and earn their spots on the Olympic team.

After all, age matters in the Olympics, and the roster is usually made up of players in their mid- to late 20s. Obviously, the 2024 Olympics was a unique event, because the average age of the new-age “Dream Team” assembled by James, Durant and Curry was 30.1 years old.

The Team USA roster in 2028 will be much younger, faster and more athletic. If Durant and Curry are to lead this team and defend their gold medals one last time, we should expect to see a group of 12 players that resembles the fantasy team assembled above.

With the 2026 Winter Olympics over, the countdown to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles has officially begun.

Jose Alvarado has quietly had a masterful start to life at the New York Knicks, but his comeback against the Houston Rockets thrust him firmly into the spotlight. In just 20 fourth-quarter minutes, the former New Orleans Pelicans man produced eight points, five steals, four assists and a game-best +18 plus-minus, along with a steal on Kevin Durant that resulted in Madison Square Garden booing loudly.

After the game, Alvarado revealed that he and KD were ‘totally in love’ despite the trash talk that happened between them during the game.

Jose Alvarado says there is “total love” between him and Kevin Durant:

“It’s a big brother. He showed a lot of love when I first came into the league. He loves me competing and obviously, he’s a KD. There’s just love, love.” pic.twitter.com/EXOCpZZ4kh

– Knicks Video (@sny_knicks) 22 February 2026

“It’s the big brother. He showed a lot of love when I first came into the league. He loves how I compete and obviously, he’s KD. There’s just love,” he said, according to a clip by Knicks Videos on X.

The Knicks trailed by nearly 16 points when Alvarado entered the game, and his defensive intensity and IQ were immediately on full display. The Knicks outscored Houston 33-15 in the fourth quarter, and much of that swing came from direct ball pressure from Alvarado.

In his five appearances so far, Alvarado has averaged approximately 13.3 points, 4.3 assists and 3.7 steals, while shooting over 55% overall and 37.5% from deep. Alvarado’s obvious impact was also praised by Karl-Anthony Towns, who himself had a big night against Houston.

“They made him feel loved and feel welcomed. I think he reciprocated that energy with his tenacity on the court. Hats off to our fans who welcomed him and gave him the confidence, belief and love to do what he does best,” Catt said, also crediting Knicks supporters for welcoming the point guard.

Karl-Anthony Towns talks about the spark Jose Alvarado gave the Knicks and credits Knicks fans for welcoming him:

“They made him feel loved and welcomed. I think he repaid that energy with his tenacity on the court. Hats off to our fans who welcomed him… pic.twitter.com/biafemEB0E

– Knicks Video (@sny_knicks) 22 February 2026

Regardless, the Knicks as a unit responded with one of their most resilient performances in recent memory, and fans will hope they continue in the same manner as they attempt to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference.

After Houston Rockets All-Star Kevin Durant broke his silence on an alleged Twitter burner account, former NBA guard and podcast host Gilbert Arenas lashed out at NSFW. For Arenas, there must have been someone from the Rockets who leaked the messages from the burner account.

Arenas addressed Durant burner controversyAccording to Gil’s Arena.

“Now I’m the first person talking to a Burner account? So why am I talking nonsense in a private group chat on Burner? … The n**** who leaked it is the person behind it,” Arenas said. “If you look at these tweets and you see how Kevin Durant texts, it’s not the same person. No burner account talks in the first person.”

“Now I’m the first person on a Burner account to talk to? So why am I talking nonsense in a private group chat on Burner? … The n**** who leaked this is the person behind it.”

Gilbert Arenas on alleged Kevin Durant burner account 🤔

(via @GilsArenaShow)pic.twitter.com/5e7DR9PIcv

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 19 February 2026

When a reporter asked Durant about it alleged burner accountAccording to NBA on ESPN reporter Vanessa Richardson, he declined to be involved, but understood why the topic was mentioned.

“I know you have to ask these questions, but I’m not here to talk nonsense on Twitter,” Durant said. “I’m just here to focus on the season and move forward. But I think you have to ask those questions. My teammates know what it’s like, we’ve been close throughout the season. We’ve enjoyed our break, had a great practice today and are looking forward to the road trip.”

“I’m not here to talk nonsense on Twitter. … My teammates know what it’s like, we’ve been locked in all season.”

Rockets star Kevin Durant when asked about his alleged burner account

(via @SportsVanessaWhy: @ByVarunShankar)pic.twitter.com/2fYU6agrLL

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 18 February 2026

The whole situation with Kevin Durant and the Rockets had Gilbert Arenas fired up.

Kevin Durant’s alleged burner account is ruining Rockets players

Veteran forward Kevin Druant’s alleged burner account, which vilified Rockets teammates, began circulating on social media during All-Star weekend.

Screenshots from an account called @gethigher77, which is now private, began to spread. There’s no concrete evidence that Durant runs the account, but that hasn’t stopped people from debating it online.

The account reportedly criticized Houston players Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun, claiming Sengun struggled with shooting and defense and questioning Smith’s scoring and defensive ability.

Every year, the NBA’s All-Star Game is heavily criticized by fans. Over the past few decades, the All-Star Game has transformed from a semi-competitive game between two conferences to a glorified shootaround between two teams. There have been some good All-Star Games, but they have been few and far between. Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant blamed Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic for their lackadaisical approach to the All-Star Game.

“You have to ask the European and world teams if they’re going to compete,” Durant said earlier. “If you look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic right now, let’s go back and see what they do in the All-Star Game. Is that competition? So we haven’t questioned what they’re doing. But we’re going to question the old heads and the Americans.”

This quote has generated considerable discussion: it is rare for a player to publicly call out his teammates, and Durant conceded defeat against two of the league’s best players. Now, Doncic has responded to Durant’s comments. In a recent interview with Slovenian sports website Sportsklub, the Lakers star revealed that the All-Star Game was treated loosely before he and Jokic arrived in the league.

“It was the same way when I first came to the All-Star Game, so I don’t know why they picked us,” Doncic said. “But I think it would be better because it’s the world against the United States.”

In fact, the Lakers star was right: The World vs. USA format lit a fire inside the players. Many fans praised the efforts of Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama during the game. Team USA ultimately won thanks to Edwards, but most spectators were happy to have an entertaining and competitive game for once.

Doncic earned his sixth All-Star selection this season and his fifth as a starter. The Lakers star is averaging 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game this season. LA is in fifth place in the West with a 33-21 record before the All-Star Game.