Durant's late dagger seals Rockets’ win over Suns in a comeback that stings Phoenix
6 January 2026
Durant's Clutch Moment Seals Rockets Win Over Suns
In a dramatic finish, Kevin Durant scored 26 points and delivered the decisive 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to lift the Houston Rockets to a 100-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Facing his former team, Durant said the moment carried extra weight, describing how leaving Phoenix felt personal and validating the lingering emotions of parting ways.
Durant's 27-foot dagger capped a tight game after Houston had battled back, underscoring a summer move that brought him from the Suns in a blockbuster deal that sent Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green to Phoenix.
Asked about facing the Suns, Durant stressed that the motive was competitive rather than personal, noting that every player wants to show what they can still do against a former club. He added that he hoped the feeling would fade once he got home and focused on the next challenge.
Punchlines: If Durant's jumper had a soundtrack, it would be a ding-ding-ding—the closer hit. And for Phoenix, maybe next time guard the moment rather than the memory.
