Dec. 20, 2025, 4:01 p.m. CT

When the Rockets traded for Kevin Durant, it was to address a clear area of need.

Despite earning the two seed in last year’s playoffs, Houston was upset in the first round by the Golden State Warriors in seven games. With three of the games decided by 10 points or less, the Rockets’ young core couldn’t find consistent offense down the stretch.

Jalen Green, Houston’s leading scorer in 2024-25, struggled in his first taste of the postseason. Green scored less than 10 points in four of the games, mustering just 8 points in Game 7 while shooting 37.2% from the floor for the series.

Enter Kevin Durant. The Rockets traded Green for him this offseason with the idea that he would provide them an established closer, significantly raising their ceiling as a contender.

The early returns from Houston’s clutch-time offense with Durant

While there’s still time for the Rockets to figure it out, the early returns from Houston’s clutch-time offense with Durant leave a lot to be desired. The 37-year-old’s usage rate in the clutch is fourth among the Rockets’ rotation players at just 16.9.

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

Sengun leads Houston with a 31.7% usage rate, followed by Aaron Holiday at 25% and Amen Thompson at 17.5%. Considering Sengun’s strong performance at Eurobasket this summer, it’s not surprising to see him get involved more offensively for the Rockets. Thompson has also shouldered more offensive responsibilities this season, but there’s no justification for Durant to be behind Holiday or have such a low usage rate in general.

Houston’s opponents this season have double-teamed Durant in an effort to force the ball out of his hands, especially down the stretch, but the Rockets have offered little resistance to those defensive schemes. As a result, Houston’s clutch-time offense has suffered, and the proof lies in their record in close games.

Seven of Houston’s eight losses this season have been in the clutch, and if the Rockets hope to make a deep playoff run, they have to be able to compete in close games. Regardless of whether it’s the fault of the players or head coach Ime Udoka, one way to improve in that area is by integrating Durant more into its clutch-time offense.