Overview
- Detroit beat Houston 115-111, handing the Rockets a second straight defeat following their double-overtime opener in Oklahoma City.
- Kevin Durant scored 37 points in 28 minutes on 9-for-18 shooting with a 16-for-18 night at the free-throw line.
- Houston attempted 48 free throws and made 37, while Detroit leveraged the three-point line by going 16-of-39 to the Rockets’ 10-of-22.
- Ime Udoka’s double-big and frequent zone looks were exploited as Detroit attacked the gaps, and Houston failed to dominate the boards even after Jalen Duren was ejected and Isaiah Stewart fouled out.
- Durant said players and coaches are “pissed off” but focused on solutions, noting the starting five has won its minutes as the team searches for steadier guard initiation.