Oct 21, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) keeps the ball away from Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

'I’m Not Looking at Championships or Playoffs' – Houston Rockets Star Pumps the Brakes on the Team’s Title Hopes This Season

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 8:34 AM ET

Before the 2025-26 season began, many have labeled the Houston Rockets as one of the top contenders for the NBA championship, following the marquee acquisition of Kevin Durant. However, according to the former league MVP, they still have a long way to go to be in the conversation.

“I mean, I don’t even look at a title. It’s Game 1, bro. I just want to solidify our offense and defense even more,” Durant told Andscape, following their opening day loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder. “We will know more about our team as the season progresses. But I’m not looking at championships or playoffs. It’s about Game 2, how we can be better.”

“This is the last place I want to play. I just try to focus on the day ahead, not think too far down the line and see what happens,” he added.

Oct 8, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) talks with guard Reed Sheppard (15) after a play during the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

In his first regular season game with the Houston Rockets, Durant had 23 points, nine rebounds, and three assists on 9-for-16 shooting from the field in 47 minutes of action.

Houston Rockets News: Kevin Durant takes the blame for the loss vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant isn’t shying away from responsibility after the Houston Rockets’ 125-124 double OT loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder . During the final moments of the game, Durant fouled out after he bit on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s pump fake, gifting the Oklahoma City Thunder the two game-winning free throws.

Oct 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

“I fouled somebody at the end, I fouled Shai. I think those two plays are the reason we lost the game. I’ve got to be better,” Durant stated via Chris Baldwin.

“I’ve got to stay down, got to stay more disciplined. Those opportunities to get a stop to seal a game, they don’t come around often, so I have to take advantage of those,” he added.