Kevin Durant delivered an outstanding performance with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-best 16 assists, securing his 18th career triple-double and leading the Phoenix Suns to a 129-113 victory over the Houston Rockets during Wednesday’s NBA action. This win, which ended a three-game losing streak, marked the Suns’ first road win since late November and brought their season record to an even 15-15.
Durant, who was efficient from the field, also contributed defensively with two steals and a block. His efforts were pivotal in Phoenix’s comeback, especially after a series of losses. “It sucks losing,” Durant said, emphasizing the importance of returning to the win column in the NBA.
“It was amazing to get back on the winning side,” Durant said. “It sucks losing. Having a tough stretch in the NBA is one of the worst feelings you can have, regardless of how many games we play in a season.”
After facing his former team for the first time since his February trade, Eric Gordon matched Durant’s 27 points. His 17 points in the Suns’ explosive 43-point second quarter were crucial in establishing a commanding 73-55 lead by halftime. Devin Booker and Grayson Allen also made significant contributions, with 20 and 16 points, respectively.
“It was great to be back here,” Gordon said. “I had a lot of good memories and a lot of fun here and it was a major turning point in my career, coming to Houston, and tonight, we did what we’re supposed to do.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Jalen Green, Houston Rockets Updates
Alperen Sengun led with 24 points for Houston, while Jalen Green added 23, including a season-high six 3-pointers. Rockets coach Ime Udoka praised Green’s aggressive play and shot selection. Despite their efforts, Houston’s record dropped to 15-14.
“(Green) was aggressive,” Udoka said. “Hunting his shots, looking at the basket more aggressively, getting downhill, and just making the right reads. With their big (playing) back, he got some easy ones early on, and it snowballed from there
The Suns’ impressive 76% shooting in the second quarter widened their lead significantly, a gap the Rockets couldn’t close in the second half. Durant played a key role in this period, scoring or assisting on most of the Suns’ baskets.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Jalen Green, Houston Rockets Updates
Suns coach Frank Vogel lauded Durant’s aggressive approach, highlighting his leadership in the pivotal second quarter.
“Kevin just got into an aggressive mode to score or pass,” Suns coach Frank Vogel said. “Taking the ball in the backcourt, running a high volume of pick and rolls and just being aggressive. He really led us during that stretch.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Jalen Green, Houston Rockets Updates
Injury woes continued for Houston, as Jabari Smith Jr. exited in the third quarter with a sprained left ankle, following Dillon Brooks’ oblique strain the previous night.
Looking ahead, the Suns will host the Charlotte Hornets, while the Rockets face the Philadelphia 76ers at home, both games scheduled for Friday night.
