Fred VanVleet Calls for Rockets to Ease Pressure on Kevin Durant

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet made it clear this week that the team must raise its defensive standard when facing elite scorers — especially Kevin Durant. After a tough matchup, VanVleet emphasized that Houston needs to find ways to disrupt Durant’s rhythm and avoid letting him dictate the pace.

Speaking with reporters, VanVleet noted that Durant remains one of the hardest covers in basketball. His message was simple: Houston must make Durant work harder for his shots and avoid giving him comfortable looks. For a Rockets squad still finding consistency, the challenge is both technical and mental.

Why It Matters for the Rockets

The Rockets are pushing to stay competitive in the Western Conference, and defensive execution is central to that mission. Houston’s young core has made major strides, but games against superstar talents highlight the importance of discipline and communication. VanVleet, one of the team’s veterans, continues to set the tone for accountability and on-court leadership.

Durant’s dominance affected the flow of the game, and VanVleet’s comments reflect a broader focus on growth — especially in high-pressure matchups. As Houston builds toward a potential playoff run, learning how to contain top-tier scorers could make the difference in tight contests.

What’s Next

The Rockets will look to tighten their defensive schemes as they prepare for upcoming conference battles. With veterans like VanVleet driving the message and a young roster eager to evolve, Houston aims to convert these lessons into wins.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.