The Houston Rockets fell short against the Los Angeles Lakers in six games of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Kevin Durant missed all but one of those games.
Back when the Rockets lost in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, their early exit caused them to go out and strike a blockbuster deal in order to acquire Durant. The goal was to avoid the situation again.
Unfortunately, Durant’s absence in the playoffs didn’t do them any favors at the end of the day. As the former outspoken NBA veteran Patrick Beverley reflects on the Rockets-Lakers series, he hopes that Durant wasn’t avoiding the series on purpose.
Patrick Beverley Sounds Off On Kevin Durant vs Lakers
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets walks down court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game Two of the NBA Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
“I just hope he wasn’t ducking smoke hurt,” Beverley said on his show.
“I hope he was really hurt and he couldn’t play even with that 41-year-old LeBron James roll into my city, I’m taking pills, and I’m getting a shot Toradol, I’m getting all that motherfu*king sh*t. I’m getting whatever I need to do to feel good to do that. I wanted to see Kevin Durant in that series vs LeBron James. The whole world did.”
Kevin Durant Misses Most Of The Rockets’ Run
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
After a strong regular season run, which included 78 appearances, Durant struggled with health concerns in the playoffs.
Leading up to Game 1 of the first round, Durant suffered a knee contusion, which prevented him from playing.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 09: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Toyota Center on April 09, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
During Game 2, Durant made his playoff debut with the Rockets. He scored 23 points in 41 minutes. In addition, he came down with six rebounds and produced four assists.
As he suffered an ankle injury in Game 2, Durant ended up missing the remainder of the series. LeBron James and the Lakers closed the Rockets out.
The reality is that Durant was hurt–and all reports suggested he would miss multiple weeks of action if the injury occurred during the regular season. While Beverley might be skeptical, there is no indication that Durant was actually ducking from the series.