Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets are looking to refine their game after a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026. Their recent form shows two wins and three losses in their last five outings, highlighting an area for improvement as the season progresses.
Is Kevin Durant's Playmaking a Limitation?
Kevin Durant is nearly the perfect basketball player for the Houston Rockets. He is the prototypical shot maker, a scoring force few can match. Yet one flaw has consistently been noted. He is a limited playmaker, especially when his primary scoring option is taken away.
Recall the 2016 Western Conference Finals. Durant averaged 30.0 points per game for Oklahoma City against Golden State. His True Shooting percentage was a pedestrian 53.9%. The Warriors denied his jumper, and he lacked the playmaking instinct to counter effectively. He fired mid-range shot after mid-range shot. You won't remember a dazzling pass from that series. That's the hole in his game.
His career high in assists is 6.4 per game, set in 2021-22 with Brooklyn. That came with 3.5 turnovers per game. It's not about willingness. It's purely about ability and decision-making under pressure.
How Can Durant Improve for the Rockets?
There is clear room for growth. The topic was inspired by a quote from Durant's trainer, Jamal Lovell, in a recent Rockets Wire piece. Lovell said the focus is "about making sure that he develops as a passer through the double team."
This need was exposed last season when Fred VanVleet was absent. VanVleet's strongest quality is turnover suppression. Without him, Durant's playmaking limits and turnover-proneness were on full display. For a player of his caliber, his playmaking has never reached an elite level.
But what if it did? Imagine Durant with the vision to consistently exploit double teams. It would transform the Houston Rockets' offensive ceiling. The team's stats would see a significant boost in ball movement and efficiency.
What Does This Mean for Houston's Season?
The Rockets' recent 2W-3L form, culminating in that 78-98 loss to the Lakers, shows the need for more offensive versatility. Relying solely on Durant's scoring isn't always enough against top-tier defenses. Developing his passing is a direct path to more consistent team success.
History shows players can reinvent themselves. Blake Griffin evolved from an athletic powerhouse into a skilled facilitator after injuries. Durant has the skill and basketball IQ to make a similar, if more refined, leap. It's about adding that final layer to his game.
Improving his assist-to-turnover ratio would make the Houston Rockets' offense less predictable. Defenses would have to honor his passing, creating even more space for his lethal shooting. You can track the team's progress and upcoming challenges on our schedule page.
For Durant, perfection isn't about becoming something he's not. It's about mastering the one aspect that has eluded him. Becoming a reliable playmaker through double teams would complete his legendary skill set. That evolution could be the key for the Rockets as they look to climb the standings.
