Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets may have staved off elimination on Sunday, but the focus instead has been on chatter that all is not well between both parties. Despite missing the 37-year-old’s services for a second straight game, the Rockets put up a spirited performance with a much-needed 115-96 win at the Toyota Center on Sunday.
NBA Champion Drops Alarming Take on Kevin Durant and the Rockets
Speaking on ESPN SportsCenter, Perkins shared his two cents on the equation between Durant and his Rockets teammates. “Seriously, it’s dysfunctional over there to be honest with you,” he said.
“This offseason, they’re going to have a lot of soul-searching to do. I was happy to see Kevin Durant on the bench tonight. It seems like it’s a disconnect there in the locker room with Kevin Durant and the young guys.”
The former NBA star believed there was a disconnect in the locker room between Durant and the younger players. “And for this Rockets organisation to get where they’re trying to go, and that’s getting back to Clutch City-type vibes, meaning championship vibes, somebody’s going to have to be that leader in the locker room,” Perkins said.
Perkins urged Durant to take the role of the leader as the Rockets still trail the Lakers 3-1 after their much-needed Game 4 win. On Sunday, Durant was on the bench as he continued to recover from his sprained ankle. The two-time NBA champion missed the series opener with a bruised right knee.
He was back for Game 2, scoring 23 points in the 101-94 loss. However, he injured his ankle late in the contest, missing Games 3 and 4. Discussions continue to rage on about a potential dysfunction between the veteran forward and his teammates in his first year with the Rockets. Still, there is no doubt that the team will need his championship DNA and experience ahead of an all-important Game 5.
At the time of writing, the team’s chemistry and clinical performances that were seen in the regular season seem to be notably missing. This has led to reports suggesting that things have not looked hunky-dory for the Rockets.
On Game 4 front, the Rockets bounced back with a solid win, thumping the Lakers 115-96. All of their starters were in double figures, led by Amen Thompson with a team-high 23 points. Alperen Şengün dropped 19 points, while Tari Eason (20 points), Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points), and Reed Sheppard (17 points) also played their part as Houston avoided a sweep.
With head coach Ime Udoka labeling Durant’s availability as day-to-day, the Rockets will hope he takes the hardwood to help prop up another win. The Lakers are just one win away from advancing. Durant and the Rockets face another do-or-die scenario when they meet Wednesday (April 29) at 10 PM ET in Los Angeles.
