Kevin Durant’s reaction to Rudy Gobert airballing a free throw during the Houston Rockets’ Friday night game against the Minnesota Timberwolves has gone viral. Durant’s stunned and hilarious look from the sideline captured what every fan was thinking when Gobert missed badly in the fourth quarter.
While Gobert struggled at the free throw line, Durant put on a show to lead the Rockets to a 110-105 win. Gobert only made two of his ten free throw attempts during the game. Airballing a free throw in the final moments of a close game is terrible for any player’s confidence, and Durant’s facial expression said it all.
This is Durant’s first season with the Rockets after nineteen years in the NBA. At 37 years old, he has settled into his role as the team’s second scoring option alongside young star Alperen Sengun, and the move appears to be working well. According to ClutchPoints, Duran has now gone viral for his actions off the court as well.
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Durant proved he’s still an elite scorer with a masterful performance
Durant led the team with 39 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two steals, and one block. He shot 11-of-18 from the field, including 6-of-8 from three-point range. He also made 11 of his 14 free throw attempts, showing the efficiency expected from a future Hall of Famer.
The game was close for three quarters, with both teams trading baskets throughout. Minnesota held an 82-81 lead heading into the fourth quarter. That’s when Houston took control, outscoring the Timberwolves 29-23 in the final period to pull away for the win.
Durant didn’t carry the load alone. Four Rockets players scored in double digits. Alperen Sengun finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Amen Thompson added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Reed Sheppard contributed 14 points and two assists off the bench.
The win improved Houston’s record to 24-15, keeping them in fifth place in the Western Conference. They’re tied with the Los Angeles Lakers but trail the Timberwolves by 1.5 games and the Denver Nuggets by three games. Durant’s ability to maintain elite performance at his age mirrors LeBron James’ intense wellness routine for playing consecutive games.
The Rockets will stay home for their next game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 18 at 7:00 PM ET. If Durant continues performing at this level, Houston should keep climbing the Western Conference standings. The team’s success depends on building chemistry, similar to how receivers pair with quarterbacks in football.
Published: Jan 17, 2026 01:00 pm