Kevin Durant says everything you need to know about how Fred VanVleet changes everything for Rockets

The Houston Rockets finally have Fred VanVleet back running their offense, and Kevin Durant believes the veteran point guard's return changes how effectively everyone on the roster can play their natural roles.

Houston opened the 2026-27 season Wednesday night with a convincing 128-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks . Afterward, Durant explained how the Rockets' improved backcourt spacing and playmaking already differ from last season.

Durant spoke during his postgame news conference in a video shared by Chris Baldwin of PaperCity Magazine via X, formerly known as Twitter.

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"Last year we started in our backcourt, Twin (Amen Thompson) and Josh Okogie. And a lot of time those guys are being left at the 3-point line. And their men are helping guard guys in the paint. So when we've got Fred and Marcus Smart out there who can keep the defense honest at the 3-point line and then Twin just roaming around just doing everything. Grabbing offensive rebounds, making assists, dunks, floaters, everything."

Durant said having VanVleet and Smart handling traditional guard responsibilities allows Houston's other players to settle into more favorable roles.

"That put everybody into a good position. That settle everybody into what they do best. You've seen how efficient Alpe (Sengun) was tonight. Bari (Smith Jr.). Everybody's just more efficient when they're just in their roles, doing what they do.

"Everybody had to play point guard by committee last year. And I think having a few natural point guards on our team, that's going to help everybody."

Fred VanVleet's return unlocks Rockets' offense in season-opening win

VanVleet showed that impact immediately in his first regular-season game back from the torn ACL that sidelined him throughout last season. He finished with six points and 11 assists without committing a turnover across 30 minutes. He also recorded three steals while shooting 2-for-8 from the field and 2-for-6 from 3-point range.

Meanwhile, Houston's primary scorers thrived.

Durant opened Year 20 with 30 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. He shot 10-for-16 from the field, 2-for-4 from beyond the arc and 8-for-11 at the free-throw line in 37 minutes.

Jabari Smith Jr. matched Durant with 30 points on 11-for-17 shooting while adding five rebounds and two steals. Alperen Sengun contributed 23 points, 10 rebounds and five assists on 9-for-15 shooting.

VanVleet's scoring was secondary on opening night. His ability to organize the offense allowed Durant, Sengun, Smith and Thompson to operate with significantly less responsibility initiating possessions.

Houston will next travel to face the San Antonio Spurs on Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET.