In a surprising and humorous revelation, Kevin Durant inadvertently roasted his new Houston Rockets teammate Dorian Finney-Smith during a recently resurfaced episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast. The episode, recorded last season before Durant’s trade to the Rockets, features the star forward candidly discussing the dynamics of team play and shot selection, but it’s his comments about Finney-Smith that are making waves.
Durant, while dissecting the importance of mid-range shots in a team’s offensive strategy, made a pointed remark about relying on role players to take crucial shots. He stated, “We’re not going to waste the clock trying to look for a three… giving it to Dorian Smith with two seconds on the clock to make a three. That’s not sustainable offense for us going forward.” This quip has sparked laughter and chatter among fans and analysts alike, as it highlights the pressure on role players in high-stakes situations.
The context of Durant’s comments underscores a broader conversation about shot selection in the NBA, especially as teams increasingly rely on analytics to dictate their strategies. While he emphasized the need for star players to take mid-range shots when necessary, the implication that Finney-Smith may not be the go-to guy in crunch time has caught the attention of the basketball community.
As the Rockets gear up for the new season, this unexpected roast adds an intriguing layer to the team dynamics. Will Finney-Smith take Durant’s comments in stride, or will this spark a friendly rivalry? One thing is for sure: the spotlight is on the Rockets as they aim to make a splash in the upcoming season, and all eyes will be on how Durant and Finney-Smith mesh on the court.