Kevin Durant Praises Houston Rockets’ ‘Pissed Off’ Firepower After Shocking 0-2 NBA Start

In a surprising twist amid the early chaos of the NBA season, Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant has thrown his support behind the struggling Houston Rockets, hailing their “pissed off” reaction to an unexpected 0-2 start as a potential game-changer. Durant’s comments, delivered after a recent Suns victory, highlight the Rockets’ raw intensity as a beacon of hope for a team that’s been rebuilding for years. As the NBA landscape heats up, this endorsement from one of the league’s elite scorers could signal brighter days ahead for Houston.

The Rockets, who entered the season with high expectations after a promising 41-41 finish last year, have stumbled out of the gate. Losses to the Lakers and Mavericks exposed defensive lapses and offensive inconsistencies, leaving fans and analysts questioning the young core’s readiness. Yet, it’s precisely this early adversity that’s ignited a fierce response from the locker room, drawing praise from Durant, a two-time NBA champion who’s seen his share of slumps.

“I love seeing that fire in them,” Durant said in a post-game interview following Phoenix’s win over the Clippers. “They’re pissed off, and that’s the right way to be. Starting 0-2 sucks, but how you bounce back defines you. The Houston Rockets are showing they won’t go down without a fight.” His words resonated across social media, amassing over 50,000 likes on NBA highlight reels within hours, underscoring the viral potential of this narrative in a league where resilience often trumps talent alone.

Durant’s Insight into Rockets’ Locker Room Fury

Kevin Durant‘s admiration isn’t just casual praise; it’s rooted in his deep understanding of NBA dynamics. Having navigated rocky starts with teams like the Thunder and Warriors, Durant knows the psychological toll of early deficits. He specifically pointed to the Rockets’ body language during their second loss—a 112-105 defeat to Dallas—where players like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun were seen jawing with opponents and slamming fists on the court after missed shots.

“You could see it in their eyes,” Durant elaborated during a Suns media session. “That ‘pissed off’ energy isn’t fake—it’s real hunger. In this league, complacency kills. The Houston Rockets are pissed, and that’s going to fuel them.” This sentiment aligns with footage from the game, where Green dropped 28 points but visibly fumed over turnovers, while Sengun battled through double-teams with uncharacteristic aggression.

Statistically, the Rockets’ response has been measurable. In their two opening games, they’ve ranked 18th in defensive rating at 112.4 points allowed per 100 possessions, per NBA.com data. But post-game huddles revealed a team united in frustration, with coach Ime Udoka emphasizing accountability. Udoka, a former Celtics assistant who helped Boston reach the Finals, has instilled a culture of toughness in Houston, and Durant’s nod validates that approach early on.

Durant’s history with Texas basketball adds layers to his comments. Drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics (later Oklahoma City), he spent nine seasons torching opponents in the Southwest Division, facing off against Houston multiple times. Now, as a Suns veteran averaging 27.1 points per game last season, his perspective carries weight. Analysts like ESPN’s Tim Bontemps noted, “Durant’s not one to hand out compliments lightly. This could be the motivational spark the Rockets need.”

Rockets’ 0-2 Skid: Unpacking the Early Season Stumbles

The Houston Rockets‘ 0-2 start wasn’t entirely unforeseen, but its manner has raised eyebrows. Their opener against the Lakers saw a late collapse, squandering a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter due to poor free-throw shooting (68% from the line) and rebounding woes (out-rebounded 48-42). Against Dallas, turnovers plagued them—18 in total, leading to 22 Maverick points—highlighting growing pains for a roster averaging just 23.4 years old, the youngest in the NBA.

Key performers like Jalen Green, the 2021 No. 2 pick, showed flashes of brilliance with 32 points in the Lakers game, including a poster dunk on LeBron James that went viral with 2 million views on TikTok. Yet, inconsistencies persist: Green’s field goal percentage dipped to 42% across the two games, and the team’s three-point shooting lagged at 32.1%, below their preseason average of 36.5%.

Defensively, the Rockets have leaned on veterans like Fred VanVleet, acquired in a blockbuster trade last summer, who dished out 12 assists per game while anchoring the backcourt. VanVleet’s leadership has been crucial, as he was overheard motivating teammates during timeouts, echoing the “pissed off” vibe Durant praised. “We’re not satisfied,” VanVleet told reporters after the Dallas loss. “This start? It’s fuel. We’re going to come out swinging next game.”

Contextually, Houston’s rebuild has been methodical. After trading James Harden in 2021, the front office pivoted to youth, drafting talents like Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson. Last season’s 41 wins marked their best since 2019-20, but the Western Conference is a gauntlet—teams like Denver, Phoenix, and the Clippers lurk. The 0-2 hole places them tied for last in the Southwest Division, but with 80 games left, history shows rebounds are possible. Consider the 2022-23 Suns, who started 2-2 but won 45 games; or the 2018-19 Warriors, who overcame a 2-2 start to claim the title.

Off the court, fan reaction has mirrored the team’s intensity. Attendance at Toyota Center remains strong, with sellouts for both home games, and #RocketsFire trended on Twitter, blending frustration with optimism. This emotional investment could amplify the positive signs Durant highlighted.

Why the ‘Pissed Off’ Response Signals Rockets’ Rising Potential

At its core, Kevin Durant‘s praise underscores a timeless NBA truth: adversity breeds champions. The Houston Rockets‘ aggressive pushback against their 0-2 start isn’t mere emotion—it’s strategic. Coach Udoka has drilled a “next-play” mentality, drawing from his championship pedigree. In practice footage leaked on Instagram, players engaged in heated scrimmages, with Sengun blocking shots emphatically and Green trash-talking during drills.

Experts agree this fire could be transformative. NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic wrote, “Houston’s youth is an asset here. That ‘pissed off’ edge Durant mentioned? It’s the difference between mediocrity and contention.” Stat projections from Basketball-Index give the Rockets a 55% chance of making the playoffs if they win their next three, emphasizing momentum’s role.

Comparing to peers, the Rockets’ response contrasts with teams like the Wizards, who started 0-3 last year and spiraled to 15 wins. Houston’s plus-4.2 net rating in clutch moments (last five minutes of close games) suggests resilience. Players like Dillon Brooks, known for his enforcer role, have embodied this, drawing technical fouls but energizing the bench. Brooks averaged 14.6 points last season and has already notched two double-doubles this year.

Durant’s endorsement also spotlights individual growth. He specifically name-checked Green: “Jalen’s got that killer instinct. Reminds me of young me—frustrated but focused.” Green’s evolution from a raw scorer to a two-way threat could anchor the offense, especially with support from Tari Eason’s rebounding prowess (11.2 per game projected).

In a league where mental fortitude wins rings—think the 2016 Cavaliers rallying from 3-1 down—the Rockets’ current mindset positions them well. Social media buzz, including memes of Durant’s quote overlaid on Rockets highlights, has boosted engagement, with the team’s official account gaining 10,000 followers post-comment.

NBA Stars and Analysts Echo Durant’s Rockets Optimism

Kevin Durant‘s voice isn’t alone in championing the Houston Rockets. Across the NBA, peers and pundits are taking note of Houston’s fiery rebuttal to defeat. LeBron James, after the Lakers’ win, commented, “Those kids in Houston are tough. Starting 0-2? They’ll learn from it fast.” James, who faced the Rockets in the 2018 playoffs, knows their potential firsthand.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham added, “I saw the intensity. They’re not folding—that’s a sign of a team on the cusp.” On podcasts like The Ringer’s Bill Simmons Show, host Simmons predicted, “If the Rockets harness that anger, they could sneak into the play-in. Durant’s right; it’s electric.”

Analytics from Cleaning the Glass show Houston’s effective field goal percentage at 53.2% despite the losses, indicating shot quality isn’t the issue—execution is. Rival scouts, speaking anonymously to Yahoo Sports, praised the defense: “Udoka’s system is clicking. That pissed-off play translates to effort on both ends.”

Even in Phoenix, Durant’s teammates chimed in. Devin Booker, averaging 25.6 points, said, “KD talks about teams he respects. If he’s hyping the Rockets, they’re doing something right.” This cross-conference camaraderie highlights the NBA’s interconnected narrative, where one star’s words can shift perceptions.

Fan forums like Reddit’s r/nba exploded with threads titled “Durant Calls Out Rockets’ Fire—Playoff Dark Horse?” garnering 15,000 upvotes. Betting odds shifted slightly, with Houston’s win total moving from 38.5 to 40.2 on DraftKings, reflecting market belief in their rebound.

Rockets’ Road Ahead: Turning Anger into Western Conference Dominance

Looking forward, the Houston Rockets‘ path from 0-2 purgatory hinges on channeling that “pissed off” energy productively. Their next matchup—a home tilt against the Utah Jazz—offers a winnable test, with Utah ranking 25th in offensive efficiency. A victory could spark a streak, especially with a softer early schedule: games against Portland, Charlotte, and San Antonio follow.

Projections from ESPN’s BPI model give Houston a 62% chance to win at least 40 games, propelled by home-court advantage (they went 24-17 at Toyota Center last year). If Green and Sengun maintain their paces—Green at 24.8 PPG, Sengun at 21.1—the offense could click, supporting VanVleet’s playmaking.

Kevin Durant himself forecasted optimism: “Watch them climb. This league rewards teams that get mad and get better.” For the Suns, facing Houston twice this season adds intrigue; a motivated Rockets squad could challenge Phoenix’s title aspirations.

Broader implications ripple through the NBA. As young teams like Memphis and Oklahoma City vie for supremacy, Houston’s response sets a tone for resilience in the West. With potential trades looming (rumors swirl around adding a veteran big), the Rockets could emerge as contenders. Udoka’s vision—blending youth with grit—gains credibility from Durant’s praise, positioning Houston not just to recover, but to roar.

In the end, this early drama encapsulates the NBA’s unpredictability. The “pissed off” Rockets, backed by a legend like Durant, are primed for a storybook turnaround that could captivate fans all season long.