When the Houston Rockets rolled into the Mortgage Matchup Center on Monday night, no one expected them to dominate the Phoenix Suns — not with Kevin Durant out, not with half their roster sidelined, and certainly not against a Suns team that had just beaten the Spurs the night before. But that’s exactly what happened. Houston won 114-92, handing Phoenix its lowest-scoring game of the season and extending their winning streak against the Suns to five straight games. The twist? Durant didn’t even suit up. His absence, due to personal reasons, turned what was supposed to be a high-stakes return to Phoenix into a low-energy letdown — and the Rockets seized the moment.
The Night the Rockets Played Without Their Star
Kevin Durant, the 15-time All-Star who averaged 24.6 points per game before the game, missed his first contest of the season. He hadn’t been listed on the injury report. No illness. No soreness. Just personal reasons. That alone sent ripples through the NBA world. Durant had spent the last two and a half seasons in Phoenix before being traded in a seven-team deal that sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the No. 10 pick (Khaman Maluach) to the Suns. His return to the city was supposed to be emotional, even ceremonial. Instead, the arena buzzed with quiet curiosity, not excitement. The Suns’ offense sputtered without him, and the Rockets? They didn’t miss a beat.Houston’s injury list was staggering: Tari Eason (right oblique strain), Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle surgery), Jae’Sean Tate (personal), Fred VanVleet (ACL repair — out for the season), and Steven Adams (questionable with ankle tendinopathy — didn’t play). Even their two-way player, Kevon Harris, was sidelined. Meanwhile, Phoenix wasn’t much better: Grayson Allen (right quadriceps contusion), Jalen Green (right hamstring strain), Ryan Dunn (right wrist sprain), and Mark Williams (knee management) all sat or were questionable. The box score looked more like a G League roster than an NBA game.
Amen Thompson Steals the Show
With Durant watching from the bench, Amen Thompson didn’t just fill the void — he owned it. The 20-year-old guard dropped 28 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds on 10-of-16 shooting. He attacked the rim with fearless aggression, drew fouls, and hit clutch mid-range jumpers. His chemistry with Alperen Şengün (22.7 PPG, 10 RPG, 7.3 APG) was electric. Şengün added 19 points and 11 rebounds, turning the paint into a demolition zone. Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 16 points and 8 boards, hitting three threes — a sign Houston’s offense was finally clicking beyond just isolation plays.Off the bench, Aaron Holiday was the spark. He scored 22 points, draining six three-pointers — including four in the second half. His shooting stretched Phoenix’s defense thin, opening driving lanes for Thompson and Şengün. Houston shot 41.3% from the field, but their real dominance came in transition and the paint: 54 points in the paint, 18 fast-break points, and 15 second-chance points. Phoenix? Just 30 in the paint and 4 fast-break points. They looked sluggish, out of sync, and utterly unprepared for Houston’s physicality.
Phoenix’s Star Struggles Without Balance
For all their talent, the Suns looked like a team missing its soul. Dillon Brooks led them with 29 points on 11-of-22 shooting, but he was the only one who looked like he wanted to win. Devin Booker, averaging 26.9 points per game, managed just 18 on 5-of-13 shooting. He looked tired — not physically, but mentally. The absence of Durant, who often draws double-teams and creates space for Booker, left him isolated against double-teams he couldn’t beat. Collin Gillespie added 16 points, but the Suns’ bench was nonexistent. Their offense, usually one of the league’s most fluid, looked robotic. They turned the ball over 20 times. They missed 14 free throws. They shot 2-of-6 from deep in the fourth quarter.“We didn’t have the energy,” said Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer after the game. “We were playing on the second night of a back-to-back. But that’s not an excuse. We didn’t compete. Not tonight.”
The Bigger Picture: A Franchise at a Crossroads
This loss isn’t just about injuries. It’s about identity. Phoenix traded for Durant hoping he’d be the missing piece to a championship puzzle. Instead, they’ve lost their most reliable scorer, their emotional leader, and now — perhaps — their direction. Durant’s departure was supposed to free up cap space and youth. But without him, the Suns look like a team trying to rebuild without a plan. Meanwhile, Houston — a team that entered the season as a lottery contender — is now 10-4. They’re playing with confidence, chemistry, and a swagger that wasn’t there in October.And here’s the kicker: Houston’s five-game win streak against Phoenix includes three wins by double digits. The Suns haven’t beaten the Rockets since January 2024. That’s not coincidence. That’s a collapse.
What’s Next?
Houston heads to Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, looking to extend their momentum. Durant’s return date remains unclear — but his absence has revealed something deeper: this Rockets team doesn’t need him to win. They’ve evolved. Phoenix, on the other hand, faces the Sacramento Kings on the same night, with Ryan Dunn’s wrist and Mark Williams’ knee still in doubt. If they lose again, the pressure on their front office will explode.The NBA doesn’t often get dramatic, real-life storylines like this. But this? This is more than a game. It’s a turning point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Kevin Durant inactive despite no injury report?
Durant was listed as inactive for personal reasons, not an injury — his first game missed this season. The Suns organization confirmed it was not health-related, though details remain private. His absence significantly impacted Phoenix’s offensive flow, as he was averaging 24.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game before the game. His return date is unknown.
How did Houston win without key players like VanVleet and Finney-Smith?
Houston leaned on youth and depth. Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün, and Aaron Holiday carried the offense, while Jabari Smith Jr. provided spacing and defense. The Rockets’ bench outscored Phoenix’s 48-22, and their ability to attack the rim (54 paint points) overwhelmed a tired Suns defense. They also forced 20 turnovers, turning them into 26 points.
What does this loss mean for the Phoenix Suns’ playoff chances?
Phoenix’s 11-6 record still keeps them in the Western Conference playoff race, but this loss exposed serious flaws: poor bench production, inconsistent shooting, and overreliance on Booker. Without Durant, their offensive efficiency dropped 8.3 points per 100 possessions. If they can’t fix their spacing and defense, they risk falling out of the top six by mid-February.
Is this the start of a new Rockets dynasty?
Not yet — but this win proves they’ve transformed from a rebuilding team into a dangerous, physical squad. With Thompson, Şengün, and Smith Jr. all under 25, Houston has a core that can compete now. Their 10-4 start is their best through 14 games since 2018. If they stay healthy and keep playing with this energy, they could be a dark horse in the West.
How did the trade involving Durant affect this game?
The seven-team trade that sent Durant to Houston and brought Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix reshaped both franchises. But this game showed the trade’s true impact: Phoenix lost its most reliable scorer and playmaker, while Houston gained a veteran leader — even if he wasn’t playing. The Suns’ offense has struggled to adapt without him, while Houston’s chemistry has grown faster than expected.
What’s the significance of Houston’s five-game winning streak against Phoenix?
It’s the longest active streak between the two franchises since 1997. The Rockets have outscored the Suns by an average of 14.6 points per game during this stretch. More than stats, it’s psychological: Phoenix hasn’t beaten Houston in over 20 months. For a team that traded for Durant to elevate its status, losing repeatedly to a former lottery team is a quiet crisis.
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