A Masterclass in Three Quarters
Kevin Durant didn't even need to play the fourth quarter. When you're up 27 points after three periods, why risk anything?
The Rockets veteran delivered a clinical performance against Cleveland Saturday night: 30 points on 11-for-17 shooting, 7 assists and 4 rebounds in fewer than 30 minutes. Houston cruised to a 117-100 victory without breaking a sweat.
Nine points from Durant during a 12-2 first-quarter run set the tone. The Cavaliers never recovered.
Cleveland Never Had a Chance
The Cavs are a solid team. But against Houston, they looked overmatched from the start.
The Rockets took a 16-12 lead and never looked back. By halftime, the margin was 12. When Darius Garland cut it to 12 in the third quarter, Houston responded with a devastating 15-0 run that made it 85-58.
Durant punctuated that stretch with a dunk that drew a reaction from Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson. Technical foul called. Durant hit the free throw. Game over.
The Bench Came Through
Houston played without Alperen Sengun (calf tightness). Steven Adams stepped in and delivered: 9 points and 8 assists as a facilitator.
But the real story was the depth. Reed Sheppard came off the bench with 18 points and 8 assists. Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points—his fifth straight game with at least 15. That's a career-high streak for the young forward.
"We had lost four of our previous five games," the Rockets staff noted. "This win felt good."
A Message to the West
With this victory, Houston has won two straight and looks to be finding their rhythm after a rough patch. When Durant plays like this, the Rockets can compete with anyone.
Cleveland heads to San Antonio on Monday to face Wembanyama's Spurs. After this beatdown, they'll need to respond.
As for Durant? At 37, he continues to defy Father Time. He became the third-fastest player to reach 30,000 points, 5,000 rebounds and 5,000 assists (behind only LeBron James and Michael Jordan). He's still a problem in this loaded Western Conference.