It only took one game for the Rockets' Kevin Durant effect to take hold

Houston Rockets fans have been patiently waiting for Kevin Durant's debut. It finally came, and it was everything they could have hoped for.

That's not strictly a comment on Durant's performance. Although he was sensational. When he missed his first three field goals, it felt ominous:

When he hit his next seven, Rockets fans knew they were getting Durant as advertised.

Durant's efficient shot-making was always the main draw to bringing him in. That said, there's a corollary effect. Durant's presence on the floor makes life easier for everyone.

That effect was in full display against the Jazz.

Durant opens up the floor for the Rockets

Alperen Sengun had 13 points in this one. That's unremarkable. You might think he had a mediocre performance:

Until you learn he had the same number of assists.

That's right: 13 dimes for the big man. Sengun put on a passing clinic. He hit cutters, corner shooters, and everyone in between.

Sengun has always been a gifted passer. The Rockets' cramped floor spacing has made it difficult to display his chops. Without a star to respect on the perimeter, his options have been limited. Now, he can use his playmaking to put opponents in a bind.

The same holds for Amen Thompson. He had 6 assists against the Jazz. That's a strong mark for someone who was operating as a secondary playmaker throughout the night.

Generally speaking, Houston's offense was humming. The team finished with 32 assists. This looked like a different Rockets team, and Durant is largely to thank.

Will it translate in the regular season?

Rockets should be lethal with Durant in the fold

Why not?

Sure, this was a preseason game against the Jazz. Lauri Markkanen didn't play. Any strong conclusions should be saved for when the games actually count.

Still, the Rockets hung 140 points on them. Markkanen would have done little to mitigate Houston's offense. We can infer that Durant's presence will improve the Rockets' offense in 2025-26.

Why wouldn't it? This isn't - if you'll pardon the overused pun - Rocket science. Kevin Durant is one of the best scorers in NBA history. When defenses need to account for him, the game gets easier for everyone else.

So, Rockets fans should be excited. Sengun and Thompson's combined passing virtuosity will have a chance to matter in 2025-26. The Rockets will have a more dynamic offense, and it will make them a more dangerous team.

Best of all, the Kevin Durant experience is just beginning.