Rockets' Kevin Durant Scoreless in Second Half vs. Lakers

Superstar forward held to just 2 points in final 23 minutes as Lakers rally for win

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:33am

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In a 100-92 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant scored 16 points in the first half but was held scoreless for the first 23 minutes of the second half, finishing with just 2 points in the final 30 seconds. The Lakers adjusted their defense to focus on Durant, daring other Rockets players to beat them, which proved an effective strategy.

Why it matters

Durant is one of the NBA's premier scorers, so his second-half disappearance was surprising and led to intense criticism from frustrated bettors who had backed the Rockets. The game highlighted the Lakers' ability to make in-game adjustments to neutralize an opposing team's top threat.

The details

After the Rockets took a 57-51 lead at halftime, the Lakers changed up their defensive coverage on Durant, sending multiple defenders at him and forcing other Rockets players to try to beat them. With Alperen Sengun out, this strategy worked, as Durant was held scoreless for the first 23 minutes of the second half before finally scoring 2 points in the final 30 seconds.

  • The Rockets led 57-51 at halftime.
  • Durant scored 16 points in the first half.
  • Durant was held scoreless for the first 23 minutes of the second half.
  • Durant scored his only 2 points of the second half with 30 seconds remaining.

The players

Kevin Durant

Superstar forward for the Houston Rockets and one of the NBA's premier scorers.

Alperen Sengun

Rockets center who was out for the game, leaving the team more vulnerable to the Lakers' defensive strategy.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Rockets' opponent, who adjusted their defense to shut down Durant in the second half.

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What they’re saying

“Bra what Kevin Durant just did is criminal that s**t is crazy. At halftime looking at this I'm like yea this s**t cashing easy. This man had 0 points in the 2nd half. That 2 point shot wit 30 seconds don't count u are f**king terrible.”

— @DoYourHomeworkJ, Bettor

“Praising and praising Durant only for him to got scared with double team. And scoring just 2 garbage points in the 2nd half.”

— @kimkarlocastro, Fan

“Kevin Durant only scores 2 points in a close game all half? You can't tell me these players are paid off 🤣”

— @KingSenay, Bettor

What’s next

The Rockets will look to bounce back in their next game, while the Lakers will try to build on their defensive performance against Durant.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the importance of in-game adjustments and the ability to neutralize a team's top scoring threat. It also demonstrated the intense scrutiny and criticism that star players like Durant face, especially from frustrated bettors, when they fail to perform to expectations.