Rockets End Three-Game Losing Skid in Victory over Suns
HOUSTON — Coach Ime Udoka was not thrilled with the Houston Rockets' start to the game. The Rockets began the night by missing nine of their first 11 attempts, which led to an early 16-point deficit midway through the first quarter.
However, behind the production of Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, the Rockets were able to find their momentum during the second quarter, resulting in a 114-110 win Friday night inside the Toyota Center.
The Rockets battled back to outscore the Suns 37-24 during the second quarter and held a 57-52 lead into the halftime break. Thompson finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Whitmore also added 15 points off the bench.
Rockets forward Jeff Green (32) leaps as forward Amen Thompson (1) dunks the ball during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Fred VanVleet led the way for the Rockets with 23 points on 7 of 15 shooting from the field, 6 of 14 from behind the arc.
Jabari Smith Jr., who began the night missing seven consecutive shots, recorded his 11th double-double of the season with 22 points and 16 rebounds. With the game tied at 100 with 3:48 left in the fourth quarter, Smith drilled a 3-point field goal that gave the Rockets a three-point advantage (103-100).
The Rockets entered the fourth quarter holding an 89-76 lead over the Suns. Phoenix nearly completed a comeback behind the performance of Bol Bol. He scored 15 of his 25 points during the quarter. His layup attempt gave the Suns a brief 100-98 lead with five minutes left in the quarter.
Kevin Durant scored a game-high 28 points with 11 coming during the final period. He also added 11 rebounds and eight assists in the loss. Devin Booker finished with 25 points on 7 of 24 shooting.
Fred VanVleet had his best performance since his return:
Fred VanVleet appeared rusty amid his return Thursday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. He had one of his worst games of the season, finishing with seven points on 2 of 8 shooting. But 24 hours later, VanVleet had one of his best scoring performances, which marked his 37th game of 20 or more points this season.
Before his return against the Pelicans, VanVleet missed the previous five games due to an abductor injury.
Trusting Amen Thompson over Jalen Green
With the game being close throughout the fourth quarter, Udoka stuck with Amen Thompson over Jalen Green. The third-year guard spent the entire fourth quarter on the bench. He finished with 21 minutes played while scoring 14 points. Thomson played 32 minutes, with 10 coming in the fourth quarter.
Kevin Durant moves up in the all-time scoring list:
With 28 points on the night, Durant moves ahead of former Rockets forward Carmelo Anthony for ninth on the NBA's All-Time Scoring list. The former league MVP has now scored 28,2696 career points.
