Rockets Ease Durant's Load, Bucks Snap Losing Streak

Houston Rockets have made it clear that one of their main priorities this season is managing the heavy workload of Kevin Durant. The veteran forward, who ranked second in the NBA in minutes last season, got a chance to rest on the bench in Monday's game against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Rockets beat the Hawks 120-110. They took control in the final period and widened their lead while their star player sat on the bench. The lineup led by Alperen Şengün included Fred VanVleet, Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason. The five played well on both ends of the floor and extended the margin.

Durant scored 22 points with nine rebounds and four blocks in 30 minutes. He said he was happy to spend more time on the bench. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said the team wants to reduce his minutes.

The picture is different in Milwaukee. Expectations were low after Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded before the season. The team lost its first three games by an average of 10 points and appeared headed for a difficult season. On Monday, they rallied in the final period to beat the Pacers 110-102, avoiding a 0-4 start for the first time since the 1976-77 season.

The win was the first for Taylor Jenkins in Milwaukee. Memphis had dismissed Jenkins with nine games left in the 2024-25 season. Jenkins said the team needs to keep improving and that they have not yet fully settled into their defensive system.