Kevin

Durant

Durant played more of a facilitating role in Wednesday’s victory. He was Houston’s leader in assists, which nearly led him to a double-double. One noteworthy stat was Durant’s two turnovers, making his high assist total even more significant. The two-time Finals MVP will certainly have better nights as a scorer, but he did what was required of him to help the team to a fourth consecutive win.

Durant started the game on fire by making his first four shots and scoring 10 points in the first three minutes of the game. The 37-year-old small forward also had six rebounds and eight assists, adding two blocks on the defensive end. Durant has provided third-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Rockets have three games remaining in Week 23, with a matchup against the Bucks on Wednesday coming next.

With Alperen Şengün dominating on both ends of the floor, Durant’s 1-of-7 night from beyond the arc was not an issue. He still hit 20 points and dished out six assists, so this was not a bad night for him by any stretch of the imagination. Since the All-Star break, Durant has provided first-round value in eight-cat formats. The Rockets begin a four-game Week 23 on Tuesday against the Knicks.

KD has been on an offensive tear as of late, averaging 29.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 3.6 triples while shooting 54.9 percent from the floor over his last five games while scoring at least 25 points in each. This was his third point-assist double-double of the season, and while he has been able to contribute assists at a decent rate this year, managers shouldn’t expect many more double-doubles.

Durant struggled for most of Wednesday’s contest. He had shot only 3-of-14 from the field through the first three quarters, but came alive in the fourth period and in overtime in what was a game of huge momentum swings. Durant ultimately reached the 30-point mark for the second straight time, each time coming in losses. However, his production continues to be significant in fantasy leagues throughout the playoffs.

In a high-scoring affair on Monday, Durant was unsurprisingly one of the contest’s most productive players. He logged a game-high 40 minutes and used that time to make the Bulls pay both inside and outside the arc. The two-time Finals MVP also made contributions on the glass and finished the game just above his regular-season average in assists. The balanced effort was not enough, however, as Houston walked away with its third loss in the last five games. The Rockets will face the Timberwolves on Wednesday in a game that could have a big impact on the playoff picture.

Durant made some history late in Saturday’s victory, hitting a corner three to pass Michael Jordan and move into fifth on the NBA’s career points list. The Rockets’ forward shot 5-of-9 from beyond the arc against the Heat, and he’s scored at least 25 points in consecutive games for the first time since February 28-March 2. The Rockets play four games in Week 22, starting with the Bulls on Monday.

Houston changed its starting lineup for Friday’s game, with Reed Sheppard replacing Tari Eason, and the result was a blowout win over the red-hot Hawks. Durant still had the ball in his hands plenty, as did Alperen Şengün (15/9/10/2), but the team had improved offensive spacing throughout the 117-95 victory. The Rockets still have one more game in Week 21, as they host the Heat on Saturday.

A game after being limited to 18 points, Durant landed an identical scoring total on Wednesday, but on even fewer shot attempts. The two-time Finals MVP shot the ball well in his limited looks at the rim and was more secure with the ball in this rematch than he was in the previous meeting. Nonetheless, Durant has had insignificant production in three of his last four games, which has come at an unideal time from a fantasy basketball standpoint. He’ll have a chance to get back on track Friday against the Hawks.

Durant logged an unspectacular game on Monday, relative to his usual production. He scored under 20 points and failed to make a three-point shot for the second time in the last three games, each coming in Houston losses. And even beyond the low scoring total, his struggles against this Los Angeles defense can be seen in the seven turnovers he committed. Durant lacked his usual production, but he will have an opportunity to bounce back on Wednesday in a second straight matchup with the Lakers.