Kevin Durant Played 37 MINUTES?! Rockets’ Win Comes With a BIG Concern
🚀 The Houston Rockets got their first win of the 2026 NBA season in dominant fashion — but Kevin Durant’s minutes are already raising questions.
Houston blasted the Dallas Mavericks 128-110 behind 30 points from Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr., while Alperen Sengun added 23 points and 10 rebounds. The Rockets built a massive 37-point lead in the third quarter… so why was Durant still playing 37 minutes? 👀
The crew breaks down Houston’s season-opening win, the decision to bring the starters back in after Dallas cut into the lead, and why managing Kevin Durant’s workload could be crucial if the Rockets want him healthy and fresh for the playoffs.
How many minutes should Kevin Durant be playing this season? And can the Rockets find the right balance between winning now and keeping their superstar fresh for the postseason?
🏀 Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks
🔥 Kevin Durant: 30 points
🔥 Jabari Smith Jr.: 30 points
💪 Alperen Sengun: 23 points, 10 rebounds
⏱️ Kevin Durant: 37 minutes
🚀 Rockets win: 128-110
Watch the full discussion and let us know: Would you have taken KD out earlier?
📻 Listen to ESPN 97.5 Houston
📲 Follow @ESPN975 on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & X
▶️ Subscribe to ESPN Houston on YouTube for more Houston Rockets, Houston Texans, Astros and Houston sports coverage.
#HoustonRockets #KevinDurant #NBA #Rockets #HoustonSports
He wanted to play 37 minutes he a Hooper regardless
Typical Houston media looking for negativity after a win