In the last second, Kevin Durant cools the Suns!

Years pass, and Kevin Durant is still like a clutch. Just like Devin Booker the day before against the Thunder… Thanks to their season-leading rookie, the Rockets beat the Suns in a hard-fought game (100-97) on Monday at the Toyota Center. But it was difficult for the Texans, in a match where the defense had the advantage.

However, it was far from obvious after three minutes to play and it was 10-2 in favor of Phoenix, with two long-range baskets Collin Gillespie. Houston responded, clawed back to within a point, conceded 6-0, then went on a 9-0 run when the outside shots finally fell. But this one lacks continuity between the people of Ime Udoka, and especially defensive retreat. The Rockets dish several balls to the Suns, who accelerate at the slightest opportunity. Already very good against OKC, Jordan Goodwin plays the main detonators like Klay Thompson: two dribbles, but three successful 3-point shots in a row, all contested!

The Suns wanted to make Houston run

The visitors are in the lead (25-29 at the end of the first quarter), thanks to their cheeky outside skills and 10/18 3-pointers after 16 minutes of play. Despite this success, Jordan Ott’s players could not fully extend the gap. New counterattack – 23 points on 10/11 in the sector in the first period alone! – he concluded Ryan Dunn brings their advantage to nine points. But the +10 mark was never reached, and Kevin Durant is particularly to blame. The winger is in charge, surrounded by substitutes Aaron Holliday or Dorian Finney-Smithhe keeps Houston in the game, 54-60 at halftime.

This delay doesn’t seem to be rushing the Rockets. And the locals extend the Christmas spirit by handing out gifts: a defensive rebound that turns into a pass to the opponent for an open shot or even an eight-second foul to pick up the ball…at the end of a timeout. And Phoenix finally overcomes the advantage of 10 points (56-69, 27′). These blunders are paradoxically what was needed to shake the Texans. They regain access to the circle, with a good pass fromAmen Thompson. His trio with Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr carries the Rockets’ offense 22-9 in the final six minutes of the third quarter to get back to 78.

Killer clip “KD”

More than the offense, especially on the other side of the court, Houston is finding the paint. The Suns don’t bring anything anymore, and every basket scored is at the price of an individual feat or a perfect performance. Outside skill has dried up, and the locals are taking control of the game again. Reed Sheppard gives his team the lead again at the start of the fourth quarter for the first time in almost half an hour of play. Smith Jr. and Steven Adams ride the offensive rebound, the Rockets lead by seven points and may think they’ve done the hard part.

But Devin Booker doesn’t give up and leads his team with eight points in a 10-0 run that restarts everything: +3 Phoenix with two minutes left. Amen Thompson equalizes at 2+1, and the two teams remain scoreless for almost two minutes, due to a mistake by good defenses. Five seconds left on the clock, just enough for Kevin Durant. “KD” finds his shooting position from behind the arc and shoots over Royce O’Neale. The room explodes, and the Suns fail to make one last shot at success.

KEVIN DURANT HITS CLUTCH 3 TO WIN FOR HOUSTON pic.twitter.com/1lC1kjT0Ok

— NBA (@NBA) January 6, 2026

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Kevin Durant, the executioner of his former franchise. A veteran is not one for feelings. His game-winning shot is remarkable for its mastery and composure, especially after making just one of his eleven 3-point attempts in the game. With 26 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, Durant continued to lead Houston, before achieving important success in the standings and pushing the Suns and the playoff zone.

Without Sengun, the Rockets break the rebound. We could have feared that the absence of Alperin Sengoun, announced shortly before the game for about two weeks due to a sprained ankle, would disrupt Houston. This was partly true, at least in the offensive animation. But Steven Adams’ return to the top five also offered a big advantage in a 51-40 spurt and a 21-5 second-chance run for the Rockets.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.