Jan 15, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) react after a play during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

'I Don’t Think They Toe the Line' – Former Oklahoma City Thunder Star Gets 100% Honest on the Team’s 'Swarming' Basketball

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jan 16, 2026 6:16 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder are tough to beat because of their defense and physicality, which can be overwhelming at times for opponents, and Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant sees no problem with it.

Speaking after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 111-91 road win on Thursday evening, Durant chimed in on his former team’s defense, which held him to 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals on a paltry 7-for-23 shooting from the field.

“No, no, no different than any other group. They play with physicality for sure, but that’s what championships organizations do. I don’t think they toe the line or anything. I just think they just play swarming basketball; they all rush to the ball,” Durant told Clemente Almanza of the Thunder Wire.

“They play physical off the ball. They got great hands. They got good block shot blocking center. I don’t think they do too much, anything extra. I just think they play together and know how to swarm the basketball,” he added.

Oklahoma City Thunder News: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes All-Star pitch for Chet Holmgren

Chet Holmgren was instrumental in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s blowout victory over the Houston Rockets, and teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander used the postgame press conference to give his big man some much-needed flowers.

“Chet is most definitely an All-Star. From the moment he stepped foot on the floor with this basketball team, we’re the No. 1 team in the West. It’s no coincidence. His game translates to winning, and his numbers do too. I’d bet a lot of money he’s an All-Star this year,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated.

Holmgren had 18 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and four blocks on 7-for-9 shooting from the field in 29 minutes of action. The Oklahoma City Thunder center has registered a double-double in three of his last four appearances.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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