In a surprising twist that has NBA fans buzzing, Kevin Durant unintentionally threw shade at his new Houston Rockets teammate, Dorian Finney-Smith, during a recently resurfaced episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast. Recorded before Durant’s move to Houston, the episode has sparked a flurry of reactions as Durant critiques the shooting habits of role players, hinting that Finney-Smith might not be the go-to guy when the game is on the line.

Durant, known for his sharp basketball IQ, discussed the importance of mid-range shots in a team’s offensive strategy. He shared a story from a game against Cleveland, where he was urged to shoot more threes. Instead, he emphatically stated that it was his teammates who needed to step up their shooting game. “I need to play my game,” he declared, emphasizing the crucial role of star players in creating scoring opportunities.

The implications of Durant’s comments are clear: in high-pressure situations, he trusts his own shot over that of role players like Finney-Smith. “We’re not giving the ball to Dorian Smith with two seconds on the clock to make a three,” Durant quipped, underscoring the urgency and stakes of playoff basketball.

As Durant prepares to don the Rockets jersey, the spotlight is now on Finney-Smith and the rest of the squad to prove they can rise to the occasion. Fans are left wondering how this dynamic will play out on the court, especially with the season fast approaching. Will Durant’s words motivate his new teammates, or will they add pressure as they aim to establish their roles in a new system? The countdown to the season just got a lot more interesting.