Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats: A Thrilling Showdown
The NBA served up a classic on January 5, 2026, when the Phoenix Suns traveled to the Toyota Center to face the Houston Rockets. For fans who love defense, drama, and superstar moments, this game was pure gold. It wasn’t just a regular-season game; it was a story of old friends becoming new foes. The big storyline? Kevin Durant facing his former team, the Suns, for the first time since the massive offseason trade.
If you are looking for a detailed breakdown of the Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets match player stats, you have come to the right place. We will dive deep into every dribble, pass, and shot. The game ended with a score of 100-97 in favor of the Rockets, but the numbers on the sheet tell a story much more exciting than the final score. We saw leads change, clocks break, and a buzzer-beater that sent the Houston crowd home happy.
Whether you are a stat head who loves plus/minus numbers or just a fan wanting to relive the action, this guide breaks it all down. We will look at the key players, the surprising bench contributions, and how the game was won in the final seconds. Let’s get started with a complete look at this Western Conference battle.
Game Overview: A Nail-Biter in Houston
The atmosphere at the Toyota Center was electric. You could feel the tension even through the TV screen. The game started fast, with both teams trading baskets. The first half was a tight contest. Phoenix edged out the first quarter 29-25, and they took the second quarter 31-29. This gave them a solid 60-54 lead going into the locker room. It looked like the Suns might run away with it.
But basketball is a game of runs, and the Rockets are a tough team to put away on their home court. Houston came out of the halftime break with a renewed defensive intensity. They locked down the Suns in the third quarter, holding them to just 18 points while scoring 24 themselves. This defensive stand shifted the momentum completely. The final quarter was a back-and-forth war. With just minutes left, Devin Booker caught fire, scoring eight straight points to give the Suns a 97-94 lead. It felt like Phoenix had stolen the game.
However, the Rockets didn’t flinch. Amen Thompson made a tough three-point play to tie the game. Then, with the clock winding down, the ball found its way into the hands of Kevin Durant. He rose up and drained a 27-foot three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock. The shot was the dagger. Booker’s last-second heave missed, and the Rockets walked away with a huge 100-97 victory.
Full Box Score Breakdown
To really understand the game, you have to look at the numbers. They show us exactly where the game was won and lost. The table below gives you the complete picture of the scoring by quarter and the key team stats.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | PITP | FB PTS | BPTS | TOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | 29 | 31 | 18 | 19 | 97 | 40 | 23 | 25 | 10 |
| Houston Rockets | 25 | 29 | 24 | 22 | 100 | 42 | 8 | 20 | 14 |
Looking at these Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets match player stats, a few things jump out. First, the Suns dominated fast-break points (23 to 8). They were pushing the pace early. But the Rockets owned the paint (42 to 40) and did a better job on second-chance opportunities. Even though the Rockets turned the ball over more (14 to 10), they made up for it by playing stifling defense in the second half, forcing the Suns into tough shots.
Phoenix Suns Player Stats and Performances
The Suns had a balanced attack, but they couldn’t close the deal. Let’s look at who stepped up and who struggled in this tough loss. The Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets match player stats for the visitors show a team that fought hard but ran out of gas.
Devin Booker’s Game-High Effort
Devin Booker was sensational for most of the night. He led all scorers with 27 points. In the fourth quarter, he put the team on his back, scoring eight straight points to give Phoenix the lead. He shot the ball with confidence and looked like the superstar he is. However, he missed a crucial three-pointer with under 10 seconds left that could have changed the outcome. Still, his overall performance was a reminder of his elite scoring talent.
Dillon Brooks Against His New Team
Dillon Brooks finished with 15 points. Playing against the team he was traded to in the offseason, he brought his usual defensive intensity. He was physical with his matchups and tried to make an impact on both ends. While his shooting wasn’t perfect, his energy kept the Suns in the game during tough stretches. He is a big part of why the Suns’ defense looked good at times.
Supporting Cast for the Suns
The role players for Phoenix had mixed results. Grayson Allen provided a spark with his three-point shooting, and Collin Gillespie ran the offense smoothly. Mark Williams was a force on the boards. But the bench scoring dried up in the second half. The Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets match player stats show that Phoenix relied heavily on their starters to produce points, which hurt them when Houston turned up the defensive pressure.
Houston Rockets Player Stats and Performances
The home team had heroes up and down the roster. While Durant got the glory for the game-winner, it was a total team effort. Here is how the Rockets’ key players filled the stat sheet.
Kevin Durant’s Game-Winner
Kevin Durant finished with a team-high 26 points. For three and a half quarters, he was great, scoring efficiently and playing solid defense. But he saved his best for last. That game-winning three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left was pure poetry. To hit a shot like that against your old team, on your home court, is the stuff of legends. It shows why the Rockets brought him to Houston.
The Young Core Steps Up
The future is bright in Houston. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. each added 17 points. Thompson was a wrecking ball driving to the basket, and his three-point play late in the game was huge. Smith hit timely shots and played excellent defense on the perimeter. Reed Sheppard also provided great minutes off the bench, knocking down shots when the team needed a spark. Their energy in the third quarter completely changed the game.
Rockets’ Bench Impact
We have to talk about the Rockets’ bench. Tari Eason brought his usual high motor, grabbing offensive rebounds and causing chaos. The Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets match player stats from the bench show a clear advantage for Houston in terms of hustle plays. They out-hustled the Suns for loose balls and got crucial stops when the starters needed a rest. This depth is a huge weapon for the Rockets this season.
Head-to-Head Player Matchups
The game featured some fascinating individual battles that decided the flow of the game.
- Devin Booker vs. Amen Thompson: This was a clash of styles. Booker used screens and his quick release to get points. Thompson used his length and athleticism to make Booker work for every shot. In the end, Thompson’s defense in the final minutes was just enough to bother Booker.
- Dillon Brooks vs. Kevin Durant: These two know each other well. Brooks played physical defense, trying to get into Durant’s body and deny him the ball. But Durant’s height and skill are hard to stop. Even with Brooks glued to him, Durant still got his 26 points and the game-winner.
- Mark Williams vs. Rockets Bigs: With Alperen Sengun out, the Rockets used a committee to guard Williams. He got his points and rebounds, but the Rockets did a good job keeping him from dominating the paint completely.
Key Stats and Turning Points
Numbers don’t lie. Here are the key stats from the Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets match player stats that tell the real story of how the game was won.
- Third Quarter Dominance: The Rockets outscored the Suns 24-18 in the third. This erased Phoenix’s halftime lead and set up the tight finish.
- Points in the Paint: Houston held a slight edge here, 42-40. This shows they weren’t just settling for jump shots; they were attacking the rim.
- The Final 5 Minutes: The game had five lead changes and was tied seven times overall. The final two minutes were a chess match, with Durant making the last, winning move.
- The Scoreboard Malfunction: A weird moment happened in the second quarter when the shot clocks and scoreboard stopped working. For a few minutes, the PA announcer had to yell out the time. It was a strange delay, but it didn’t seem to rattle the Rockets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion: A Game to Remember
In the end, the Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets match player stats give us a detailed look at a modern NBA classic. It had everything: superstars making big plays, young talent stepping up, and a game-winning shot for the ages. The Rockets showed they have the grit and skill to win close games against top teams. The Suns showed they are tough competitors who will be in the playoff hunt all season long.
For the Houston Rockets, this win was a statement. For the Phoenix Suns, it was a tough lesson. But for basketball fans, it was simply a great night of sports. Whether you love the thrill of a buzzer-beater or the story told by a box score, this game had it all.
What did you think of Kevin Durant’s game-winner? Do you think the Suns should have done something different on that final defensive play? Drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts on this incredible game.