In a dazzling display of offensive firepower, the Houston Rockets triumphed over the Phoenix Suns with a commanding 148-109 victory on Sunday night, marking their 12th win in the last 13 games. Jalen Green led the charge, scoring a game-high 33 points in just 27 minutes, showcasing his remarkable shooting skills.
The Rockets, now boasting a 49-26 record, secured the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference standings, two games ahead of the Denver Nuggets. This victory not only solidified their playoff positioning but also provided a significant boost to their upcoming draft outlook, as Houston holds the right to swap first-round picks with Phoenix.
The game was held at PHX Arena in Phoenix, where the Rockets quickly established dominance, leading 78-49 at halftime. Green's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he scored 32 of his points in the second and third quarters, hitting 9-of-17 field goals (52.9%), including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc (80.0%), and converting 11-of-13 free throws (84.6%).
Other notable contributors for Houston included Amen Thompson, who nearly recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists in 25 minutes. Alperen Sengun added 16 points and 9 rebounds, while Fred VanVleet chipped in with 13 points and 7 assists. Rookie Jabari Smith Jr. also had a solid outing, scoring 10 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.
On the other side, Devin Booker led the Suns with 28 points and 3 assists, shooting an impressive 12-of-17 from the field (70.6%). However, the Suns struggled defensively, as they rank among the bottom five teams in defensive efficiency for the season.
Kevin Durant's night ended prematurely after he suffered an ankle injury when he stepped on Jabari Smith Jr.'s foot with 6:57 left in the third quarter. The Suns' head coach, Mike Budenholzer, announced that Durant would undergo an MRI on Monday and would not travel with the team for their upcoming game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
"We need to see how he responds, but it’s definitely a concern for us moving forward," Budenholzer stated regarding Durant's injury.
The Rockets' victory was not without its contentious moments. Dillon Brooks was ejected in the second quarter after receiving two technical fouls during a brief scuffle with Durant. Following Brooks' departure, Houston capitalized on the momentum, outscoring the Suns 23-11 for the remainder of the half, extending their lead significantly.
Despite the loss, the Suns remain in contention for a play-in spot, currently sitting at 35-40 and two games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final playoff position in the West. With only six games remaining in the season, the pressure is mounting for Phoenix.
The Rockets, meanwhile, are riding high as they prepare for their next challenge against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, March 31, at Crypto.com Arena. This matchup is crucial as both teams vie for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference.
Houston's performance against the Suns showcased their offensive depth and defensive tenacity, with eight different players scoring in double digits. The Rockets shot an impressive 57.1% from the field and 58.1% from three-point range, demonstrating their ability to score from various angles.
In the first quarter, the game started off competitively, but the Rockets pulled away with a 10-0 run, ending the period with a 34-22 lead. The second quarter was a defining moment, as Houston outscored Phoenix 44-27, forcing nine turnovers and converting them into 16 points.
As the game progressed, Jalen Green's third-quarter explosion saw him score 17 points, further extending Houston's lead. By the end of the third quarter, the Rockets were ahead 112-73, effectively sealing the game.
With the playoffs approaching, the Rockets are looking to maintain their momentum and secure a favorable seed, while the Suns face an uphill battle to secure a playoff berth. As the regular season winds down, every game counts, and both teams will be looking to build on their performances in the coming days.
In conclusion, the Rockets' dominant victory over the Suns not only reflects their current form but also sets the stage for an exciting finish to the NBA season. With key players stepping up and a solid team effort, Houston is poised to make a significant impact as they head into the playoffs.
