Kevin Durant Feels Younger with the Houston Rockets

The superstar forward has been carrying the Rockets' offense this season despite multiple key injuries to the team.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Houston Rockets currently sit fourth in the Western Conference at the All-Star break with a 33-20 record, thanks in large part to the stellar play of Kevin Durant. Despite the Rockets dealing with injuries to key players like Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, Durant has stepped up and shown why he's one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. In a recent interview, Durant revealed that he still feels like he's in his fifth year in the league, expressing excitement about getting to play basketball every day.

Why it matters

Durant's ability to carry the Rockets' offense and maintain his high level of play at this stage of his career is a testament to his skill and dedication. The Rockets' success this season despite their injury issues has been largely driven by Durant's performance, which has kept them in the playoff hunt in the competitive Western Conference.

The details

The Rockets initially traded for Durant to be a reliable scorer and leader with championship experience. With the team's lack of a true point guard, Durant has had to shoulder an even greater offensive burden, facing relentless double teams. While he has struggled with turnovers at times, Durant's winning impact has been immense, as he continues to pour in the points for the Rockets.

  • The Rockets currently sit fourth in the Western Conference at the All-Star break with a 33-20 record.

The players

Kevin Durant

A superstar forward for the Houston Rockets who is one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.

Fred VanVleet

A key player for the Houston Rockets who has been dealing with injuries this season.

Steven Adams

A key player for the Houston Rockets who has been dealing with injuries this season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm still excited to get up and go to the gym and play ball, work on my game, go travel. I'm just excited about the whole process. Every day I wake up, it's really fulfilling knowing I get to do this every day.”

— Kevin Durant (FanDuel TV)

The takeaway

Despite his extensive NBA experience, Kevin Durant's passion for the game and excitement about playing basketball every day has not diminished. His ability to carry the Rockets' offense and lead them to success this season, even with key injuries, is a testament to his elite skills and dedication to the sport.