Kevin Durant didn’t hold back on calling out the Phoenix Suns for his departure. After hitting a game-winner on Monday to send his former team packing in Houston’s 100-97 win, Durant shared his honest thoughts on if it meant more, saying:
“I don’t want to sound too dramatic but I will. To be kicked out of a place, you know what I’m saying, and felt like I’ve been scapegoated for the issues we had as a team last year, yeah it felt good to beat them and hit a game-winning shot.”
KD on if it meant more to hit a game-winner vs. the Suns:
“Most definitely … I don’t want to sound too dramatic but I will, to be kicked out of a place. It felt like I’ve been scapegoated for the issues we had as a team last year.”
(via @BinkleyHoops)pic.twitter.com/B0EXPT0xwN
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) January 6, 2026
The Suns tried to trade Durant without his knowledge at the 2025 February trade deadline. He nearly reunited with the Warriors before stepping in and asking Phoenix not to deal him. The two sides worked on finding a new home for him last summer. Durant wishlisted the Rockets as one of his preferred landing spots and the Suns obliged.
They traded him for Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick (Khaman Maluach) and five second-round picks in a seven-team trade.
Kevin Durant is now 2-0 against the Suns since his move. He had 26 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in Monday’s win, capped off by his game-winner.
Kevin Durant shows love to Houston after perfect revenge against Suns
Kevin Durant expressed gratitude to Rockets fans after nailing the game-winner against his former team on Monday. The All-Star forward revisited the times he was booed as an opposing player during his post-game interview and described the change of course to now, where he’s earned MVP chants from the same crowd.
“Being booed in here so many years, being an opposing player being booed, you know it feels good to come out here, I love Houston, I love Texas i’m just grateful in representing the Rockets,” Durant Said.
Kevin Durant on MVP chants:
“Being booed in here so many years, being an opposing player being booed, you know it feels good to come out here, I love Houston, I love Texas i’m just grateful in representing the Rockets.” 🙌👏
(via @Rockets_Clips)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 6, 2026
Kevin Durant has been exceptional for the Rockets in his debut season, averaging 25.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 52.3% shooting from the field, including 42.3% from 3-point range and 89.4% from the free-throw line.
The Rockets are 22-11, right behind the OKC Thunder and Denver Nuggets as the consensus top-three favorite in the Western Conference.
Read more: Warriors’ Predicted Trade Package for Michael Porter Jr. Won’t Include Draymond Green
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