The Houston Rockets opened their season with a 128-110 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, and the difference was easy to spot. Houston defended, rebounded, and ran, turning stops into layups and dunks before Dallas could get set. Afterward, Kevin Durant and coach Ime Udoka both pointed to those easy baskets as a big part of what this team can be.

Durant Wants the Easy Ones

Durant has spent nearly two decades as one of the most complete scorers the NBA has ever seen. He can get a bucket against anybody from anywhere on the floor. Even so, he said nothing beats a few easy looks early to get a scorer comfortable.

“I think all scorers want to get the easy ones like that to get them going, and then you get a couple of isos that feel good when you touch the ball.”

It is a simple idea, but it matters. A run-out layup or a dunk in transition costs almost no energy and builds rhythm.…