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Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer against the Houston Rockets through the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox)
HOUSTON— Kevin Durant had 27 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 16 assists for his 18th profession triple-double, helping the Phoenix Suns beat the Houston Rockets 129-113 within the NBA on Wednesday night to snap a three-game losing streak.
Durant was 9 of 16 from the sphere and in addition had two steals and a block in Phoenix’s first road victory since Nov. 26. The Suns improved to 15-15.
“It was amazing to get back on the winning side,” Durant said. “It sucks losing. Having a troublesome stretch within the NBA is one among the worst feelings you may have, no matter what number of games we play in a season.”
Eric Gordon matched Durant with 27 points in his first game back in Houston since being traded in February. He scored 17 points within the Suns’ 43-point second quarter en path to a 73-55 halftime lead. Devin Booker added 20 points, and Grayson Allen had 16.
What an evening for Kevin Durant 🔥
▪️ 27 PTS
▪️ 10 REB
▪️ 16 AST (ties career-high) pic.twitter.com/5PtX44MMOO— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 28, 2023
“It was great to be back here,” Gordon said. “I had numerous good memories and numerous fun here and it was a significant turning point in my profession, coming to Houston, and tonight, we did what we’re presupposed to do.”
Alperen Sengun led Houston with 24 points, and Jalen Green added 23 with a season-high six 3-pointers. The Rockets are 15-14.
“(Green) was aggressive,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “Hunting his shots, taking a look at the basket more aggressively, getting downhill, and just making the correct reads. With their big (playing) back he got some easy ones early on and it snowballed from there
Phoenix shot 76% within the second quarter to push its result in 20, and 12 was the closest the Rockets would get within the second half. Durant scored or got the assist on 10 of their 16 baskets.
“Kevin just got into an aggressive mode to attain or pass,” Suns coach Frank Vogel said. “Taking the ball within the backcourt, running a high volume of pick and rolls and just being aggressive. He really led us during that stretch.”
Jabari Smith Jr scored nine points for Houston before leaving within the third quarter due to a sprained left ankle sprain. An evening earlier, the Rockets lost Dillon Brooks to an oblique strain, which forced him to miss a game for the primary time this season.
NEXT SCHEDULE
Suns: Host Charlotte on Friday night.
Rockets: Host Philadelphia on Friday night.
