HOUSTON — Two nights after a frustrating and injury riddled loss in Dallas, the Rockets (22-11) got back to their winning ways with Monday’s thrilling 100-97 victory (box score) over the Suns.
In a matchup of Western Conference rivals, Houston is 3-0 against Phoenix this season. Overall, Houston has won five of its last six games, and the Rockets are now 11-1 in their last 12 home games at Toyota Center.
Advertisement
With Monday’s win, the Rockets are in a virtual tie with the Los Angeles Lakers (22-11) and Denver Nuggets (24-12) for the No. 3 spot in the West. On the other side, Phoenix is holding at No. 7 in the standings.
The big story for the Rockets was All-Star forward and future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, who hit the game-winning shot with only 1.1 seconds left to play. Durant finished with a team-high 26 points (42.9% FG) and 10 rebounds, and he made key defensive contributions on a night in which the Suns were limited to just 37 points in the second half.
“I don’t mean to sound too dramatic, but I will,” said Durant, who was traded from Phoenix to Houston last June.
Advertisement
“To be kicked out of a place — and I felt like I’d been scapegoated for the issues we had as a team last year — yeah, it felt good to beat them and hit a game-winning shot. You play with a bit of a chip on your shoulder when you play your former team, especially when they trade you.”
Kevin Durant said he was «scapegoated» for Suns’ poor season last year. Adds he felt like he was «kicked out of» Phoenix, had chip on his shoulder tonight.
Full quote from @KDTrey5 ⬇️
«I don’t mean to sound too dramatic, but I will. To be kicked out of a a place and I felt like… pic.twitter.com/Y7PloYZpvl
— Michael Shapiro (@mshap2) January 6, 2026
Devin Booker led the Suns with 27 points (45.0% FG), though Tari Eason forced him into a crucial miss on the possession immediately preceding Durant’s winner.
Alperen Sengun remained sidelined by the right ankle sprain he suffered versus the Mavericks, though backup center Steven Adams made a healthy return and had 11 valuable rebounds in 31 minutes.
Advertisement
Jabari Smith Jr. added 17 points (54.5% FG, 37.5% on 3-pointers) and 7 rebounds for the Rockets, while Amen Thompson had 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Next up for the Rockets is a three-game West Coast road trip, with a pair of games in Portland on Wednesday and Friday followed by a finale against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
Tipoff of both Rockets-Trail Blazers games is at 9:00 p.m. Central, and each will be televised regionally on Space City Home Network (SCHN) and nationally via NBA League Pass.
More: Rockets (21-11) lose in Dallas as Alperen Sengun sprains right ankle
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets 100, Suns 97: Kevin Durant gets dramatic to celebrate big shot
