Overview

• Kevin Durant posted 20 points in 23 minutes in a 140-127 preseason win over the Jazz, saying the game "felt normal" in his first appearance for Houston.
• Udoka confirmed a non-traditional setup without a single replacement point guard, citing Durant’s gravity and Şengün’s versatility to drive the attack.
• Şengün operated as a primary hub with 13 points and 13 assists, while Amen Thompson added 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
• Reed Sheppard started at point guard again and logged 11 points with three assists as Houston tests internal options following Fred VanVleet’s season-ending ACL injury.
• Durant said a reunion with free agent Russell Westbrook "would be dope" but stressed roster calls aren’t his, and cap/apron constraints limit immediate external additions.