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The Houston Rockets did well last season by finishing with the second seed in the Western Conference, and after they traded for future Hall of Fame forward Kevin Durant over the summer, they were expected to become serious championship contenders. Even after starting point guard Fred VanVleet was lost for the whole season, the expectations remained sky high. But the Rockets lost in double-overtime on opening night to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, and on Friday, they fell 115-111 to the Detroit Pistons. With an 0-2 record, they’re suddenly dealing with doubt and even some bad vibes. Per ESPN, Durant didn’t hold back about his feelings concerning his new team’s poor start, and he said he even likes how the team has reacted emotionally. “Coaching staff is pissed off, players are pissed off,” he said. “We want a better outcome, and it’s early too. So for us to feel that way, I like that kind of energy.” Read more: Hawks’ Kristaps Porzingis Reveals New Details on Mysterious Illness HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets dribbles against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Toyota Center on October 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) Durant, who turned 37 years of age nearly a month ago, has played well to start his 19th season in the NBA. While he had a modest (by his standards) 23 points versus Oklahoma City, he dropped a very efficient 37 points on Friday against Detroit. However, he totaled just four assists in both games, and Houston hasn’t shot well from the field. It made only 38.6% of its field-goal attempts against the Pistons, and with all the competition and depth in the West, something needs to change quickly. With VanVleet out, the Rockets are going with a tall but quirky starting lineup that lacks a point guard or legitimate ball-handler. They had just 15 assists versus the Pistons, and it looks like they may need to make a significant trade in order to truly join the elite class of NBA teams. Read more: Kendrick Perkins Makes Wild Statement on Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Contract While Durant’s future with the Rockets may be secure — he recently signed a two-year, $90 million contract extension — the immediate outlook for the team seems a bit murky. Perhaps the initial expectations that people had for them were a bit too lofty, given the relative weaknesses of their roster. For more on the Rockets and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
