Kevin Durant scored 28 points as the Houston Rockets triumphed over the Phoenix Suns 117-98 on Friday night, marking Durant as the eighth player in NBA history to reach 31,000 career points. He joins an elite group alongside Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, and LeBron James.
This game was Durant’s first appearance against his former team since a major seven-team trade that sent Jaylen Green and Dillon Brooks to the Suns. Durant had missed an earlier Rockets’ win against Phoenix on November 24 due to personal reasons. Armen Thompson contributed a season-best 31 points, helping the Rockets secure their fifth win in six games.
Durant began the night with two free throws and a midrange jumper in the first quarter, which helped him hit the milestone of 31,024 career points. He did not play in the fourth quarter. Although the Rockets initially trailed by nine points, they surged in the second quarter, scoring 44 points and taking the lead with Durant contributing 17 points.
Houston maintained an 11-point lead into the third quarter, extending it with a 16-2 run to lead 92-67, with Thompson scoring six points and Durant and Reid Shepard each hitting three-pointers. The Suns committed five turnovers during this critical run. Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 23 points, but Phoenix suffered their third loss in four games.
The Rockets were without Alperen Sengun, who missed the game due to illness, with Steven Adams stepping in to record four points and eight rebounds. Houston honored Brooks and Green with video tributes during the game, receiving warm applause from the crowd. Green was a top draft pick by Houston in 2021, spending his first four seasons with the team, while Brooks played two seasons for the Rockets.
Looking ahead, the Suns will face the Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Rockets will travel to play the Mavericks on Saturday night.
Fan Take: Kevin Durant reaching 31,000 points cements his status as one of basketball’s all-time greats, inspiring fans with his enduring skill and longevity. This milestone highlights the evolving legacy of the NBA’s top players and adds excitement to the game’s future narratives.
