Kevin Durant has tense exchange with reporter

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kevin Durant has tense exchange with reporter

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Nov 3, 2026 1:50 PM ET

A frustrated Kevin Durant had a confrontation with a reporter after the Houston Rockets’ 109-93 victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday.

Durant attempted just six field goals during Monday’s win and was held to 12 points, prompting reporter Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle to ask about his fairly limited role within the offense. Durant made clear he did not think much of the question.

“Why does that matter to you? We won the game,” Durant said. “Why are you singling me out? (Jabari Smith Jr.) had 30 last game and only had 14 tonight. Are you going to talk about his variety?

“What does that have to do with anything? Are you just watching me all game? Do you have the solo cam? We won the basketball game, bro.”

Here is the full exchange that happened in the press conference after the Rockets victory over the Boston Celtics between Rockets forward Kevin Durant and @ByVarunShankar from the Houston Chronicle. #Rockets #Sarge @TheRocketsWire https://t.co/mwuezxlyvH
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) November 3, 2026

Shankar eventually phrased the question in a way that got an answer by asking about balancing freeing up teammates with getting enough shots, but Durant was very clearly irked at what he felt was a criticism.

Durant is never shy about addressing what he feels is unfair criticism. In this case, he was annoyed that his team just beat an Eastern Conference contender decisively to move to 7-1 on the season, only to be questioned about his shot volume. One can understand that, but it will only feed into the narrative that Durant is oversensitive.

More must-reads: