Sixers Gear Up for Durant Test as Rockets Come to Town
PHILADELPHIA - When the Philadelphia 76ers take the court Thursday night against the Houston Rockets, all eyes will be on one man: Kevin Durant. Eighteen seasons into his NBA career, Durant is still doing what he does best - putting up buckets and making it look effortless.
Durant’s numbers this season speak for themselves: 25.9 points per game on 51.1% shooting from the field and nearly 40% from beyond the arc. That kind of efficiency at his age?
It’s not just impressive - it’s elite. And while the Rockets have a deep rotation of athletic wings who can cause problems, Durant remains the focal point of everything they do offensively.
He’s the head of the snake, and the Sixers know it.
Philadelphia will have to throw the kitchen sink at him defensively. Expect to see a mix of Kelly Oubre Jr., Dominick Barlow, and Jabari Walker taking turns trying to slow Durant down.
The key word there is trying - because let’s be honest, no one really stops KD. The goal is to make him work for everything.
Jabari Walker, who’s earned a reputation as a gritty, high-IQ defender, understands the challenge ahead.
“I think staying solid,” Walker said when asked about guarding Durant. “Being aggressive defensively.
Not just letting him be comfortable. You gotta try a lot of different tactics for guys who are big.
I think we have the tools defensively. We just gotta apply different things.”
That’s the reality of defending a player like Durant - it’s less about shutting him down and more about making him uncomfortable. Take away his rhythm, crowd his space, and maybe - just maybe - you force a few misses. But even in his 18th season, Durant is still capable of torching any defense in the league if he finds his groove.
Walker, though, isn’t backing down. He’s approaching this matchup with the mindset of a competitor who relishes these kinds of moments.
He’s studied Durant, talked with him, and even picked his brain. Now he gets to test himself against one of the all-time greats.
“You kinda pay attention more to a guy specifically like him,” Walker said. “How his game’s going.
Is he hot when you check in? Because if he’s hot, you know he’s definitely shooting something a little bit crazy so you gotta be aware of that.
If the game’s just started and it’s like OK, maybe he’s gonna ease his way in, so you kinda gotta know where he is in the game, what time it is, and you gotta know some of his tendencies.”
That kind of attention to detail is what separates solid defenders from great ones. Walker’s not just relying on athleticism - he’s thinking the game, reading the moment, and adjusting on the fly.
And there’s an added layer of motivation here. For Walker, this isn’t just another defensive assignment - it’s a personal measuring stick.
Durant is a player he’s looked up to, someone he’s had meaningful conversations with. Getting a stop on Durant isn’t just about helping the Sixers win - it’s about earning respect from a legend.
“I think it’s a cool test guarding guys like that to see exactly where you are,” Walker said with a smile. “Especially, me looking up to a guy like Kevin Durant.
I’ve had many conversations with him. I’ve picked his brain a lot.
He’s someone who, if you play good defense, he’ll compliment you. That’s a rare thing so it makes you wanna play harder to get that compliment.”
There’s a mutual respect among NBA players that only comes from battling on the hardwood. And when a player like Durant tips his cap to your defense? That’s as good as gold.
So as the Sixers get ready for the Rockets, the game plan is clear: throw bodies at Durant, stay disciplined, and make him earn every point. It’s easier said than done - but for Jabari Walker, it’s the kind of challenge that fuels the fire.
The stage is set. Now it’s time to see if the Sixers can rise to the occasion.