Kevin Durant on Rockets’ nine games in 15 days: ‘We don’t complain’

Kevin Durant is 38 years old. After nine games in 15 days, he isn’t looking for sympathy.

“We’re 22, 23, 24 years old,” Durant told reporters after Wednesday’s 117-107 loss to the Timberwolves, via Adam Spolane of Sports Illustrated. “I feel the same age.”

The Rockets have already played two back-to-backs and haven’t had more than one day off between games. Durant has appeared in all nine, joining four teammates who have done the same. His approach to the workload is fairly straightforward.

“We don’t complain about the scheduling,” Durant said. “Everybody’s going through some type of scheduling issue, back-to-backs or playing a lot of games. We just deal with what’s in front of us and keep pushing.”

Having enough players to spread around the minutes certainly helps. As Spolane notes, eight Rockets are averaging at least 20 minutes, with two others reaching double figures. Nobody is averaging more than 35.

“The fact that we are a little bit deeper and more shored up at certain positions, we were able to adjust to that tough schedule early and flourish with it,” coach Ime Udoka said.

Houston hasn’t been entirely healthy. Steven Adams has missed eight games with a right soleus strain. But the Rockets have largely avoided the widespread injury problems affecting other teams.

Udoka also credited an early start to training camp ahead of the team’s trip to Macao. The Rockets played just three preseason games, giving them additional time to prepare without adding more exhibitions.

“The fact that we had an extended camp helped us,” Udoka said. “Put in a lot, implemented a lot, and get in a good rhythm.”

The Rockets are scheduled to practice Friday for the first time since Oct. 20. They could use the time together. Durant just isn’t offering the busy calendar as an explanation for a loss.

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