Taking 44 more shots still leads to loss! Behind Rockets' 0-2 deficit is the same old issue: Acquiring Durant hasn't solved the problem.

On April 23 Beijing time, the Rockets made a major acquisition last summer by trading for Kevin Durant, hoping to improve the team's stagnant offensive performance in the 2025 playoffs. However, up to now, the desired results have not materialized as expected.

Rockets reporter William Guillory detailed that even with Durant joining, the Rockets' scoring woes have persisted into this postseason. After missing the series opener due to a knee injury, Durant returned for Game 2, scoring 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting—statistically efficient, but the game process was very difficult. He faced frequent double-teams throughout, committing 9 turnovers, tying his personal playoff career high.

The bigger problem lies in the overall performance of the entire team around Durant. In the first two games against the Lakers, the Rockets actually controlled possession, taking 44 more total shots, yet it was meaningless. The team lost by a combined 16 points, failing to score 100 in either game. The overall offensive efficiency was comprehensively low. Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard collectively struggled with finishing touch; their poor shooting performances completely disrupted the team's offensive rhythm.

After the game, Şengün candidly addressed the issue. Following Game 2, he stated: "When I drive into the heart of the paint, I must play more aggressively. I missed many simple finishes near the basket. I need to regain my style of play, dominate the interior… to relieve pressure on Durant and help my teammates perform better. My three-point shooting is fine; the problem is entirely with finishing at the rim—these must-score shots I have to convert solidly."

The disadvantage in offensive spacing further compounded the issues. In Game 2, the Rockets shot only 7-of-29 from three-point range; the team's regular-season top perimeter shooter, Reed Sheppard, played only 11 minutes, as he still needs to earn coach Ime Udoka's trust on defense.

Additionally, the team's roster configuration exposed many underlying weaknesses.

Houston Chronicle reporter Varun Shankar noted that the Rockets currently severely lack versatile players with both defensive and shooting abilities. Acquiring Finney-Smith was meant to address this gap, but his form has declined significantly since returning from ankle surgery. Tari Eason occasionally shows bright spots but is extremely inconsistent: he shot 7-for-7 in Game 1, but only 4-for-14 in Game 2.

Originally, Durant's arrival should have raised the Rockets' ceiling, and this potential might still be realized in the future. But currently, the Rockets are deeply trapped in the same predicament that doomed their season a year ago—their old offensive problems remain unresolved.