Kevin Durant openly downplays the importance of defense as the key to winning an NBA title

As the famous saying in the sports world goes, defense wins championships. This is different when it comes to Houston From the perspective of Rockets star Kevin Durant on the subject.

Durant is entering his 19th year in the NBA, his first with the Rockets. He joined the team in the offseason after the Phoenix Suns traded him there in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and draft compensation.

Durant has had underwhelming seasons with the Suns despite pushing for a title run. Phoenix reached the second round in 2023, suffered a first-round loss in 2024 and missed the playoffs last season. The veteran star wanted a change of scenery, which the Suns obliged by sending him to Houston.

Durant appeared on an episode of Netflix’s NBA exclusive, Starting Five. He talked about the importance of the offense that can win championships, especially when everyone can play championship-level defense when given the opportunity.

“You have to score if you want to win a championship. Playing defense, we can make any of you bend your legs, not touch the basketball, slide left and right,” Durant said.

“You have to score if you want to win a championship. Playing defense, we can get any of you here to bend their legs, not touch the basketball, slide left and right.”

– Kevin Durant 👀

(via @netflixsports)
pic.twitter.com/0la4b9FIno

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 19, 2025

What’s next for Kevin Durant, Rockets

Kevin Durant is looking to lead the Rockets to title contention, hoping to finish the final years of his NBA career strong.

Durant still has the superstar talent to lead the offense while playing stout defense. He averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in 62 appearances last season for the Suns.

Houston had its best season since 2019-20, winning 52 games last season. They secured second place in the Western Conference, but lost in the first round after a tough seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors.

The Rockets will prepare for the start of the regular season. They will be on the road when they take on Durant’s former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 21st at 7:30pm ET.