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It was an odd week for Houston Rockets fans. Superstar offseason acquisition Kevin Durant<\/a> was embroiled in yet another social media \u201cdrama.\u201d<\/a>\u00a0Among comments alleged to have come from a Durant \u201cburner\u201d account were disparaging remarks about teammate Jabari Smith Jr<\/a>. Then, after Houston\u2019s first game back from the All-Star break, Durant sang the praises of Houston\u2019s \u201csmall ball\u201d lineup. The key player in any Houston small ball look? Jabari Smith Jr.<\/p>\n So, does Durant have a point, or was he just saving face?<\/p>\n The Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets 105-101 on Thursday night<\/a>. Durant put on an offensive exhibition for Houston, scoring 35 points on 14-of-20 shooting from the field. In his post-game interview on the floor, Durant was keen to point out the success the team had going \u201csmall ball.\u201d<\/a>\u00a0It\u2019s easy for suspicious minds to interpret that as a shot at franchise center Alperen Sengun<\/a>. But it could just as easily have been a peace offering to Smith. Most likely, it was out of a genuine preference for the lineup.<\/p>\nExamining Kevin Durant\u2019s Praise For Jabari Smith Small Ball<\/h2>\n