During All-Star weekend, Kevin Durant’s rumored burner account on X, @gethigher77, posted several critical comments about his Houston Rockets teammate Jabari Smith Jr., sparking controversy. These posts accused Smith of struggling on both offense and defense, stirring tension between the two players as the Rockets push through their campaign.
Tensions Rise Over Jabari Smith Jr.’s Performance and Game Moment
A viral moment from the Rockets’ game against the New York Knicks on Saturday intensified the scrutiny. Smith, who waved Durant off from a potential go-ahead basket attempt late in the game, missed a crucial three-pointer with 15.5 seconds remaining, leaving the Rockets trailing 105-103. Durant subsequently fouled intentionally to stop the clock, signaling frustration on the court. After a timeout, Durant’s visible annoyance was clear as he joined his teammates in a huddle.
While the burner account went so far as to claim that Smith
“f**kn shot or get a stop,”
these harsh criticisms overlook Smith’s actual season progress. He is averaging career-best numbers with 15.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and one block per game, demonstrating value on both ends. This production has earned him a starting role in every game he has been healthy for under coach Ime Udoka.
Though Smith has yet to fully meet the lofty expectations of a third overall draft pick, the comments from the alleged burner account—also labeling him “retarded”—are widely seen as extreme and inappropriate. Durant has neither confirmed nor denied owning the controversial X account, dismissing reporter questions as “Twitter nonsense.” This silence has only increased speculation around his relationship with Smith and the locker room dynamic.
Impact of Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. on Rockets’ Success
Despite the public drama, the Rockets have maintained a solid record when both Durant and Smith are on the court together. According to StatMuse, Houston holds a 30-21 record with the duo playing simultaneously, highlighting their importance to Ime Udoka’s starting lineup. Durant remains the team’s top scorer and playmaker, offering elite scoring and defensive presence, while Smith’s size and agility provide valuable versatility in Houston’s lineups.
The Rockets are focused on keeping both players healthy and productive as they aim to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. Maintaining a strong locker room atmosphere will be crucial to navigating the season’s challenges and silencing outside distractions.
Stirring Reactions Beyond the Rockets
The situation involving Durant and Smith illustrates how internal team dynamics can become public in the era of social media, exposing frustrations and creating narratives that affect fan perceptions. The Rockets’ coaching staff and leadership face the ongoing task of managing these pressures while optimizing on-court performance.
As the Rockets continue their run, fans and analysts alike will watch closely whether the tensions stem from momentary frustrations or reveal more enduring conflicts within the roster. How Durant and Smith reconcile these issues could influence Houston’s push deeper into the season and their overall campaign success.
HOLY SHIT KD WAS RIGHT!🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/A5dZ5jTBkW
— JD (@D_Sportstalk) February 22, 2026
Jabari Smith Jr. waved off KD to take a 3 for the lead and KD was PISSED 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/yI1Urj7qyi
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) February 22, 2026
Kevin Durant doesn't deny the messages on the burner account. pic.twitter.com/kEkGCceNCA
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelV) February 18, 2026
