Rockets Reduce Durant’s Workload in Hawks Win

The Houston Rockets are trying to reduce Kevin Durant’s workload after he ranked second in the NBA in minutes last season. In a 120-110 win over Atlanta, Houston’s reserves and supporting starters extended the lead in the fourth quarter with Durant resting; he finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in 30 minutes. Coach Ime Udoka said the team hopes to rely more on its depth, and Durant welcomed the extra rest when the lineup was playing well. The win offered an example of how Houston can preserve the veteran forward’s energy without sacrificing its performance.