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Kevin Durant critiques ‘underdog’ label for Houston Rockets ahead of season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 11:43 PM

Last updated Oct 20, 2026

Kevin Durant critiques ‘underdog’ label for Houston Rockets ahead of season opener

Summary

Kevin Durant addressed the perception of the Houston Rockets as an ‘underdog’ team before the upcoming season. The Rockets, coming off a 52-30 record, feature a strong roster including Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. Durant emphasized that the label does not reflect reality, saying, ‘Other teams aren’t talking about us like that.’ The Rockets are set to open their season against the Dallas Mavericks on October 21, where they are favored to win by 8.5 points. Over the offseason, Houston has added several key players, enhancing their chances for success this year.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Durant questions the ‘underdog’ label on the Rockets.
•Houston finished last season 52-30 but lost in the playoffs.
•Rockets open the season against the Mavericks on October 21.
•Houston is favored by 8.5 points in the matchup.
•Team added players like Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović.

Latest Updates

11:43 PMYahoo Sports — Kevin Durant fires back at Rockets ‘underdog’ narrative with spicy retort

What they're saying

"
Heading into the season, Kevin Durant ranks among the game’s best players. Meanwhile, some are labeling the Houston Rockets as an ‘underdog’ team even with a solid core. A core that includes Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason. But to hear Durant say it, the ‘underdog’ label isn’t based in reality , per Ben DuBose of The […] The post Kevin Durant fires back at Rockets ‘underdog’ narrative with spicy retort appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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