Kevin Durant's fatal flaw nearly costs the Rockets a winnable game

The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant to be their leading scorer. That plan has mostly worked out, but his inability to function as a primary ball-handler has been a problem for this roster.

This isn't meant to be a harsh criticism of Durant. He's one of the best scorers in NBA history. The 24.8 points per game on 61.7 True Shooting % (TS%) is a bit below his career standard, but that's fine. At 37, the Rockets surely knew Durant would be in post-prime mode. He's still giving them the high-quality half-court scorer they lacked in 2024-25.

Unfortunately, he's not doing much for them on the ball-handling front. That flaw was on full display against the Clippers on Thursday.

The Rockets barely escaped with a win.

Rockets barely overcome one of the league's worst teams

Granted, a win is a win. Give the Rockets credit for a gutsy 115-113 victory over the Clippers.

Yet, Los Angeles is 6-19. The Rockets are now 16-6. By the numbers, they're supposed to decimate this team, not squeeze out a late win via an Amen Thompson offensive rebound, put back, and free throw.

That's not what happened.

It could have been, if Durant had delivered a better performance. He had 16 points on 5/14 shooting from the field. That's OK - we know Durant will mostly have efficient scoring nights. It was his 5 turnovers that were problematic.

On the season, Durant is averaging three turnovers and just 3.9 assists per game. Again, Durant's job description is to get buckets. The Rockets look to Thompson, Alperen Sengun, and Reed Sheppard for playmaking:

That's part of the problem as well.

Rockets lack reliable ball-handling

Give Sengun tremendous credit. In Fred VanVleet's absence, he's thrived as a primary ball-handler. Sengun is averaging seven assists and 3.4 turnovers per contest. Once he has the ball in one of his spots, Sengun is likely to generate a good shot for the Rockets.

Still, someone typically has to get him the ball. Sengun can bring it up the floor, and that's great, but he's still a big man. The Rockets need another functional ball-handler, and that's where things can get ugly:

They don't necessarily have one.

Durant can't function in that role. Like Sengun, he's best when someone gets him the ball. With increased handling responsibility, we're seeing him turn the rock over far too often.

Perhaps the Rockets need to trade for an Aaron Holiday upgrade. Alternatively, they could try to increase their trust in Reed Sheppard. Whatever the solution, it'd be ideal if Durant mostly had the ball when he's looking to score:

That's what the Rockets brought him in to do.