Durant’s Late Three Secures 100-97 Rockets Triumph Over Suns

Key Takeaways:

• Kevin Durant netted 26 points, including a game-winning three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining, as the Rockets defeated the Suns 100-97
• Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. each contributed 17 points, leading Houston to its fifth victory in six outings
• Alperen Sengun missed the game due to a right ankle sprain and is anticipated to be sidelined for 10 to 14 days according to coach Ime Udoka

Match Analysis

On Monday night in Houston, Kevin Durant delivered a masterclass performance with 26 points, capped by a crucial three-pointer from 27 feet with just 1.1 seconds on the clock. That shot, which broke a 97-all deadlock, ensured the Houston Rockets edged past the Phoenix Suns 100-97. The dramatic finale saw Durant down his former club after having transferred to Houston from Phoenix over the summer, a move which saw Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green head in the opposite direction as part of a major trade.

How y'all feeling after that?! 😎#AllFire pic.twitter.com/orwZelrZ4m

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 6, 2026

Following Durant’s late heroics, Phoenix had one final opportunity to force overtime. Devin Booker attempted a desperation three-pointer at the buzzer, but the effort bounced off the rim to confirm the Rockets’ win. Just before Durant’s match-winner, Booker also had a chance to put the Suns ahead, yet missed his three-point attempt. The Suns regained possession on the ensuing rebound, but a shot clock violation surrendered the ball to Houston with just 5.1 seconds remaining.

Player Contributions and Turning Points

Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. were instrumental for Houston, both contributing 17 points as the Rockets recorded their fifth win in the last six matches. The Suns’ Devin Booker posted a game-high 27 points, while Dillon Brooks added 15 for Phoenix, whose two-game winning run was brought to a halt.

With less than five minutes remaining, the Rockets led by seven, but Phoenix surged back with a 10-0 sequence – including eight from Booker – to claim a 97-94 advantage with just over two minutes left on the clock. Smith added a free throw for the Rockets with around six minutes to play; however, Houston struggled offensively in this period, going nearly four-and-a-half minutes without a field goal before Thompson’s three-point play ultimately pulled the teams level in the final two minutes.

Injuries and Technical Delays

Houston’s Alperen Sengun was unavailable for selection after spraining his right ankle on Saturday. Head coach Ime Udoka revealed post-match that Sengun is expected to be sidelined for 10 to 14 days as a result of the injury.

Monday’s contest was briefly halted in the second quarter due to malfunctioning clocks and scoreboard equipment. For a stretch, play continued without either scoreboard or shot clocks functioning, requiring the public address announcer to periodically update players and fans with the remaining time. Full scoreboard and shot clock operation was restored with about four minutes left in the first half, and normal service resumed for the third quarter.

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