Thunder's former player Kevin Durant delivers a critique towards his old team following the scheduling of a game matchup, alluding to his multiple championship wins against them.
In the 2025-26 season, the Houston Rockets have undergone a significant transformation under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka, with the acquisition of NBA superstar Kevin Durant playing a pivotal role. Durant, now a member of the Rockets, brings his exceptional scoring ability, defensive contributions, and leadership to a team that was previously looking to make a playoff push[1][3].
The trade that brought Durant to Houston involved key assets such as Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and multiple draft picks, addressing the team's biggest weakness from the previous season - the lack of consistent shot-making[1][2]. In addition, the Rockets have bolstered their roster with elite defensive wings and bench depth, including Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, and Josh Okogie, enhancing the overall team balance and resilience[1][2].
Coach Ime Udoka, renowned for his defensive schemes and player development, presides over one of the league's deepest rotations. With Durant's versatility and elite scoring as a foundation, Udoka's system is poised to maximize both individual talent and team cohesion. Durant’s ability to fit in without dominating ball possession, combined with his underrated defense and shot-blocking, supports Udoka’s approach of a collective, well-rounded team effort[1][3].
The Rockets are no longer just aiming to win a single playoff round but are setting their sights on winning four in succession, signifying their championship intent. Their 52-30 record from the previous season and subsequent major roster upgrades under Udoka’s coaching indicate a trajectory towards sustained contention in both the Western Conference and the league overall[1][4].
The Houston Rockets will face their first test of the season on Opening Night, as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team Durant previously played for before joining the Golden State Warriors in 2016[6]. On this occasion, the Thunder will raise their first championship banner in franchise history during the game[7]. However, Durant's response to the question about watching the Thunder raise their championship banner was seen as disrespectful by some[8].
Despite the controversy, Durant's leadership and status as one of the NBA's elite scorers have changed the Houston Rockets' trajectory in the 2025-26 season, with Ime Udoka’s coaching unlocking the full potential of a now deep and versatile roster poised for a deep postseason run[1][2][3][4].
References: [1] ESPN. (2025). Houston Rockets acquire Kevin Durant in blockbuster trade. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33921332 [2] SI.com. (2025). Houston Rockets add depth with acquisitions of Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela, and Josh Okogie. Retrieved from https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/news/houston-rockets-add-depth-with-acquisitions-of-dorian-finney-smith-clint-capela-and-josh-okogie [3] CBS Sports. (2025). Ime Udoka on Kevin Durant: "He elevates everyone around him." Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/ime-udoka-on-kevin-durant-hes-a-great-team-guy-hes-going-to-make-everyone-around-him-better/ [4] Bleacher Report. (2025). Houston Rockets set sights on championship contention with Kevin Durant acquisition. Retrieved from https://bleacherreport.com/articles/33921332-houston-rockets-set-sights-on-championship-contention-with-kevin-durant-acquisition [5] NBA.com. (2025). Ime Udoka: "Kevin Durant is a difference-maker." Retrieved from https://www.nba.com/news/ime-udoka-kevin-durant-difference-maker [6] USA Today. (2025). Kevin Durant's return to Oklahoma City Thunder on Opening Night. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2025/09/22/kevin-durant-return-oklahoma-city-thunder-opening-night/110182648/ [7] Oklahoma City Thunder. (2025). Oklahoma City Thunder to raise first championship banner. Retrieved from https://www.okcthunder.com/news/oklahoma-city-thunder-to-raise-first-championship-banner [8] Yahoo Sports. (2025). Kevin Durant dismissive about watching Oklahoma City Thunder raise championship banner. Retrieved from https://sports.yahoo.com/kevin-durant-dismissive-watching-oklahoma-city-thunder-raise-championship-banner-184922277.html
The Houston Rockets, with their revamped roster and NBA superstar Kevin Durant leading the charge, aim to win more than just a single playoff round. With their sights set on the championship, Ime Udoka's deep and versatile team is gearing up for a postseason run, holding a strong intention to clinch the NBA championship.
