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Kevin Durant reacts during the Houston Rockets’ Game 2 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers as pressure mounts ahead of Game 3.

The Houston Rockets are heading into a pivotal Game 3 with their season already on the line — and one of their core players is making it clear where the pressure must fall.

Jabari Smith Jr. Didn’t Hold Back

Fourth-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. did not shy away from addressing the struggles of veteran star Kevin Durant following Houston’s 101-94 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2.

“It’s on him to find ways to get himself involved and get to his spots without the double team,” Smith said after Thursday’s practice. “Just because he’s getting double teamed, we still need him to be KD. There’s still ways around it, and we got some fixes to that, and we’re gonna be better the next two games.”

Smith’s interesting comment on Durant underscored the tension and pressure for Houston, which now trails 2-0 in the first-round Western Conference playoff series.

Kevin Durant’s Game 2 Return Undermined by Turnovers

Durant returned in Game 2 after missing the opener with a knee contusion and led the Rockets with 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting. He added six rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal across 41 minutes.

However, the performance was overshadowed by a career playoff-high nine turnovers — a major factor in Houston’s second straight loss.

The Rockets struggled offensively as a team, shooting just 40% from the field and 24% from three-point range, while the Lakers capitalized on Houston’s mistakes.

Jabari Smith Jr. Producing While Houston Searches for Answers

While Durant dealt with heavy defensive attention, Smith has been one of Houston’s most consistent contributors through two games. The fourth-year forward is averaging 17.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal while shooting 37.5% from three-point range and committing just two turnovers in both games.

His production — combined with his willingness to challenge a future Hall of Famer — reflects a Rockets team leaning on its emerging core as it tries to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole.

Houston’s ability to counter the Lakers’ double teams on Durant remains a key storyline entering Game 3.

Kevin Durant Takes Responsibility After Error-Filled Performance

Durant did not deflect blame after Game 2, acknowledging that he must be more aggressive despite constant double teams.

“They started doubling me from possession one,” Durant said following the loss. “I think I gotta be better at not putting my teammates in bad position when I swing that ball. Sometimes I could beat the double, get downhill, make the shot a little easier for them.”

He added that he may need to look for his own offense more often, even in crowded situations.

“I feel like I gotta shoot more of those… I could have just shot over those guys.”

Kevin Durant Injury Status Looms Before Game 3

Durant’s availability is now in question heading into Game 3. He is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain, an issue believed to have occurred during his Game 2 return.

Head coach Ime Udoka said the team will continue to monitor Durant leading up to Friday’s tipoff. Udoka also indicated that rookie guard Reed Sheppard could see increased minutes regardless of Durant’s status.

Rockets Face Must-Win Game 3 vs Lakers

With the series shifting to Houston, the Rockets are staring at a must-win scenario. Falling behind 3-0 would leave them on the brink of elimination.

Durant is expected to do everything possible to play, and his response — both in terms of aggression and ball security — could determine whether Houston can climb back into the series.

Tipoff for Game 3 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24.