From the opening whistle, Kevin Durant looked every bit the superstar the Rockets traded for this past summer. Facing an Indiana Pacers team decimated by injuries most notably the season long absence of Tyrese Haliburton Durant wasted no time establishing his rhythm. He poured in 13 points in the first quarter alone, hitting a variety of mid-range jumpers and attacking the rim with a speed that belies his veteran status.

Durant finished the night shooting 13 of 20 from the field, an impressive 65% clip. His ability to score from all three levels forced the Pacers into difficult defensive rotations, which in turn opened up the floor for Houston’s younger core. While the Pacers briefly seized a 19-18 lead in the first quarter behind back to back triples from Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith, Durant’s steady hand ensured the Rockets carried a 30-25 lead into the second frame.

Supporting Cast Steps Up Amid Injuries

The Rockets entered the game with a significant void in the middle, as All Star center Alperen Sengun was sidelined for a second straight game due to calf tightness. However, the "Next Man Up" mentality was on full display. Jabari Smith Jr. provided a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Amen Thompson contributed a versatile 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.

Houston’s bench also played a pivotal role in the victory. Tari Eason and rookie Reed Sheppard each added 13 points, helping the Rockets build a lead that stretched as wide as 27 points in the third quarter. The offensive synergy was palpable, with Houston shooting a robust 59% as a team and dominating the offensive glass with 14 rebounds, leading to 25 second chance points.

Navigating the Third Quarter Surge

Despite the lopsided score for much of the night, the Indiana Pacers refused to go quietly. Led by Pascal Siakam’s 23 points, Indiana orchestrated a 14-2 run late in the third quarter to trim the deficit to 15. Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard were instrumental during this stretch, hitting crucial three pointers to briefly silence the Houston crowd.

However, Durant’s veteran poise proved to be the antidote to the Pacers' momentum. After a timeout by coach Ime Udoka, Durant and Smith Jr. combined for several key buckets to restore a 27 point cushion heading into the final period. Though the Pacers managed to make the final score look respectable during garbage time, the outcome was never truly in doubt after the Rockets' 26-7 run in the second quarter.

Injury Concerns and Milestones

While the victory was a cause for celebration, the Rockets did suffer a setback when veteran center Steven Adams left the game in the third quarter with a right ankle sprain. Adams had been starting in place of Sengun and provided a physical presence in the paint before his exit. His status for Houston’s upcoming road trip remains uncertain.

For Kevin Durant, this performance is part of a historic month. Earlier in December, Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to reach the 31,000 career point milestone, tying LeBron James for the third fewest games to reach that mark. At 37 years old, Durant is currently 8th on the all time scoring list and is rapidly closing the gap on Wilt Chamberlain for 7th place.

Looking Ahead for Both Franchises

The Houston Rockets (20-10) are currently one of the hottest teams in the league, sitting near the top of the Western Conference standings. Their blend of legendary veteran leadership from Durant and the explosive athleticism of Thompson and Smith Jr. has made them a formidable title contender.

The Indiana Pacers (6-27), meanwhile, are facing a challenging rebuilding phase. With the league's worst record and a mounting injury list that includes Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) and Obi Toppin (foot), the focus in Indianapolis has shifted toward the 2026 NBA Draft and the development of young talents like Jarace Walker.