Kevin Durant’s return sparks Rockets’ stunning 21-Point comeback over Suns

Kevin Durant returned to Phoenix Suns with mixed emotions, but it was his new home that stole the spotlight on Wednesday (PHT). 

The Houston Rockets staged a dramatic comeback to claim a 119-105 victory, overcoming a 21-point first-quarter deficit in a game that sealed Phoenix’s fate regarding automatic playoff qualification in the Western Conference.

Durant, traded from Phoenix to Houston last year, remained a focal point on the floor, finishing with 24 points. 

Houston’s resilience was evident in the fourth quarter, where they outscored Phoenix 38-21 to secure the win. The Rockets shot 45% from the field and dominated the boards 55-34, turning 24 offensive rebounds into 37 second-chance points.

Amen Thompson spearheaded the comeback with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 20 points, including five three-pointers, as Houston extended its winning streak to seven games and nine victories in 11 outings. 

Alperen Sengun contributed 12 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists, though foul trouble limited him to 28 minutes.

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Kevin Durant before he made Dillon Brooks touch earth:
1/7 FG | 0/2 3PT | 2 PTS

After:
7/13 FG | 5/7 3PT | 3/3 FT | 22 PTSpic.twitter.com/V7qsb5Rpby

— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) April 8, 2026

Phoenix had their moments, starting strong and building a 21-point lead early. 

Devin Booker excelled from the line, hitting 15 of 16 free throws, while Kevin Williams contributed 5 of 6. The Suns converted 34 of 39 free throws, both season highs, but struggled from the field at 42.7%. 

Their 24-0 run in the third quarter, the franchise’s longest since 1997-98, briefly threatened Houston’s rally, with Williams scoring 10 points in that stretch.

The contest wasn’t without tension. Durant and Dillon Brooks exchanged words in a chippy second quarter, and technical fouls were assessed to Booker and Houston’s Jae’Sean Tate within a minute of each other. 

Durant’s 11 points in the second quarter helped Houston close the gap to 57-54 at halftime. The Suns held a slim 84-81 advantage entering the fourth, but the Rockets’ relentless pressure ultimately tipped the game in their favor.

Houston’s comeback underscores their growth as a cohesive unit, while Phoenix’s loss marks the end of their chance for a direct playoff berth, leaving the team to navigate the play-in tournament instead.

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