DURANT, GORDON FUEL SUNS PAST ROCKETS

“Regaining the winning side was incredible,” Durant remarked. “Losing is awful. It is one of the worst feelings in the NBA, no matter how many games we play in a season, to have a rough patch.

In his first game back in Houston following his trade in February, Eric Gordon scored 27 points, matching Durant’s total. In the Suns’ 43-point second quarter, he scored 17 points, leading the team to a 73-55 halftime advantage. Grayson Allen scored 16 points, while Devin Booker contributed 20.

“It was good to be back here,” Gordon said. “My career took a significant turn when I moved to Houston, and tonight we accomplished our objectives.”. I had a lot of good memories and fun here.”

With 24 points, Alperen Sengun led Houston, and Jalen Green followed with 23 points, including a season-high six 3-pointers. Rockets record: 15–14.

According to Rockets coach Ime Udoka, “(Green) was aggressive.” Hunting his shoots, focusing more intently on the hoop, accelerating downhill, and simply making the correct reads. He grabbed some easy ones early on with their big (playing) back, and things took off from there.

The Rockets would only go as close as 12 points in the second half as Phoenix shot 76% in the second quarter to increase their lead to 20. Ten of their sixteen baskets were either assisted or scored by Durant.

Suns coach Frank Vogel stated, “Kevin just got into an aggressive mode to score or pass.” “Running a lot of pick and rolls, grabbing the ball in the backcourt, and just being aggressive.” He really guided us through that part.

Suns Dominated the paint with 50 points while Houston Rockets scored only 34. Suns FG% was also better than Rockets with 57 % contrary to rockets 41%. The Phoenix Suns had 11 blocks against the Rockets’ 3 blocks, demonstrating their strong defensive play.

For Houston, Jabari Smith Jr. scored nine points before departing the game in the third quarter due to an injured left ankle. Dillon Brooks suffered an oblique injury the previous night, which resulted in his first game absence of the season for the Rockets.

Phoenix Suns are now 10th seed in the western conference with 15-15 record sneaking in into Play-in bracket while Houston Rockets are 8th seed with 15-14 record https://x.com/NBA/status/1740232681630421497?s=20

Rockets record has been better than lot of star studded team thanks to center Apleren Sengun who is in brilliant form and is averaging  20 points per game with 9.3 rebounds and 5 assists per game. If Rockets continue to win games like this they also can sneak into Playoff bracket

Suns will host Charlotte Hornets on Friday night

Pheonix newly aquired star Bladley Beal is injured. Suns got their win despite missing the star.

The Suns declared that the three-time All-Star would be assessed in two weeks, following the Knicks game. Since spraining his ankle, Beal has missed an additional four games. He’s put on hold until the first few days of January, at the latest.

The former top player for the Washington Wizards has improved with time. He’s already taking part in the Suns’ pre-game warm-ups in Houston before they play the Rockets.

The Suns are probably still being cautious even though there’s a chance Beal will return sooner. With nine out of twelve games lost, the club is in disarray and could use Beal’s scoring. It would be a costly error for them to rush his return.

Rockets will be hosting Philadelphia Sixers on friday night.