Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats
The NBA regular season often provides matchups that feel like playoff games, but few carry the emotional weight and statistical significance of the recent clash between the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets. When you look at the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats, you aren’t just seeing numbers on a page; you are witnessing the narrative of a blockbuster trade that reshaped the Western Conference. With Kevin Durant now donning the Rockets red and young stars like Jalen Green trying to find their footing in Phoenix, every possession in this game told a story.
This article provides a comprehensive, deep dive into the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats, breaking down every quarter, every key player, and the tactical battles that defined this instant classic. Whether you are a fantasy basketball manager, a die-hard fan, or just an NBA enthusiast, this breakdown covers everything you need to know about one of the most talked-about games of the 2026 season.
The Narrative: A Rivalry Reborn in 2026
The atmosphere at the Toyota Center was electric, buzzing with an energy that only a “revenge game” can generate. The headline going into the night was obvious: Kevin Durant facing his former team. However, the subplot was just as compelling. The summer blockbuster trade that sent Durant to Houston and young scorers Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix has completely altered the DNA of both franchises.
Fans looking for the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats are often surprised by the intensity of the defensive metrics. This wasn’t just a shootout; it was a chess match. The Suns, led by Devin Booker, were desperate to prove they won the trade by getting younger and faster. Meanwhile, the Rockets, now anchored by the veteran savvy of Durant and the rising stardom of Alperen Sengun, wanted to show that their “win-now” gamble was paying off.
The game itself lived up to the hype, coming down to the final seconds. A game-winning three-pointer by Durant sealed the 100-97 victory for Houston, but the box score reveals so much more than just the final buzzer. It highlights the shifting roles of players like Amen Thompson and the defensive grit of Dillon Brooks against his old squad.
Game Summary: The January 5, 2026 Thriller
To understand the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats, we must first look at the flow of the game. It was a contest defined by runs, defensive stops, and star power taking over in crunch time. The final score of 100-97 indicates a defensive struggle, which is rare in the modern NBA, but it speaks to the familiarity these two rosters have with one another.
The first half was a defensive grind. Phoenix struggled to find their rhythm from deep, while Houston pounded the paint with Sengun and Thompson. The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats for the first half showed the Suns shooting just under 42% from the field, a testament to the Rockets’ improved wing defense.
However, the second half saw an offensive explosion from the guards. Devin Booker began to heat up in the third quarter, hitting tough mid-range jumpers that are his signature. The Suns erased a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run, briefly taking the lead. But in the end, the experience of Durant shone through. His game-winner with 1.1 seconds remaining didn’t just win the game; it padded his clutch-time stats and left Suns fans heartbroken.
Kevin Durant’s Masterclass: Analyzing His Numbers
When analyzing the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats, Kevin Durant is the first name that jumps off the page. Finishing with 26 points, Durant was the engine that kept the Rockets moving. His efficiency was the key story. Unlike his younger counterparts who often need high volume to score, Durant picked his spots surgically.
He shot efficiently from the field, but it was his three-point shooting that made the difference. Hitting the game-winning shot from 27 feet out is what will be replayed on highlight reels, but his playmaking was equally important. The stats show he dished out key assists when the Suns double-teamed him, finding open shooters like Jabari Smith Jr. in the corners.
Durant’s impact went beyond scoring. His defensive length bothered the Suns’ wings all night. In the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats, you’ll see Durant recorded active hands in passing lanes, disrupting the Suns’ pick-and-roll game. For a player in his late 30s, his durability and two-way impact remain elite.
Devin Booker’s Response: Carrying the Suns
On the other side of the court, Devin Booker did everything he could to will his team to victory. Booker’s line in the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats is impressive: 27 points on 9-of-20 shooting. He was the focal point of the Suns’ offense, often initiating plays and finishing them.
Booker’s ability to draw fouls was a crucial part of the Suns’ strategy. He made 7-of-8 free throws, constantly putting pressure on the Rockets’ defenders. The stats show that when Booker drove to the basket, the Rockets’ defense collapsed, opening up opportunities for others.
However, the burden on Booker was heavy. With the trade sending out other shot-creators, the defensive attention on him has increased. The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats reveal that Booker had to work incredibly hard for every point. His three-point shooting was decent, but the lack of space in the final minutes forced him into a difficult final shot that rimmed out.
The Trade Pieces: Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats is the performance of the players involved in the Durant trade. Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks returned to Houston with something to prove.
Dillon Brooks, known for his defensive intensity, did not disappoint. He finished with 15 points and was a nuisance on defense. His stats show 4 fouls, which is typical for Brooks as he played physically against Durant and Thompson. Offensively, he struggled slightly with efficiency, shooting 7-for-15, but his energy kept the Suns in the game during their dry spells.
Jalen Green’s integration into the Suns’ system is still a work in progress. In this matchup, his stats were a mixed bag. He showed flashes of his explosive scoring potential but also had moments of turnover trouble. The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats highlight that the Suns are still figuring out the optimal balance between Booker and Green in the backcourt.
Detailed Match Player Stats Table
Below is a detailed breakdown of the key contributors from the game. This table provides a clear view of how the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats looked for the starters and key bench players.
| Player (Team) | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG (Field Goals) | 3PT (3-Pointers) | FT (Free Throws) | Steals | Blocks | Turnovers | +/- |
| K. Durant (HOU) | 26 | 6 | 4 | 8/18 | 3/7 | 7/7 | 1 | 1 | 3 | +5 |
| A. Thompson (HOU) | 17 | 8 | 5 | 7/12 | 1/2 | 2/4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | +8 |
| J. Smith Jr. (HOU) | 17 | 9 | 1 | 6/11 | 2/5 | 3/3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | +2 |
| A. Sengun (HOU) | 14 | 12 | 6 | 5/10 | 0/1 | 4/6 | 1 | 2 | 4 | +4 |
| F. VanVleet (HOU) | 12 | 3 | 8 | 4/12 | 2/6 | 2/2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +6 |
| D. Booker (PHO) | 27 | 0 | 3 | 9/20 | 2/5 | 7/8 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| D. Brooks (PHO) | 15 | 4 | 2 | 7/15 | 1/6 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -5 |
| R. O’Neale (PHO) | 15 | 6 | 3 | 5/12 | 5/12 | 0/0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +2 |
| C. Gillespie (PHO) | 11 | 6 | 4 | 4/11 | 3/9 | 0/0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -1 |
| J. Green (PHO) | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3/10 | 1/4 | 1/2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -8 |
Note: The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats indicate a balanced attack from Houston, while Phoenix relied heavily on Booker and spot-up shooting from O’Neale.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
Analyzing the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats by quarter reveals the momentum shifts that occurred throughout the game.
First Quarter:
The Rockets came out firing. Amen Thompson used his athleticism to get to the rim early. The stats showed Houston shooting 55% in the first quarter. Phoenix looked sluggish, struggling to contain the pick-and-roll involving Sengun. Score: Rockets 29, Suns 25.
Second Quarter:
The Suns’ bench unit, led by Royce O’Neale, stabilized the game. O’Neale’s three-point shooting (5/12 for the game) was a lifeline. The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats for this period showed a dip in Houston’s scoring as the Suns tightened their perimeter defense. Score: Rockets 60, Suns 54 at halftime.
Third Quarter:
This was a defensive slog. Both teams struggled to score. The Rockets managed only 18 points, while the Suns chipped away at the lead. Turnovers plagued both sides, a stat that frustrated both coaches.
Fourth Quarter:
The drama unfolded here. A 10-0 run by the Suns, highlighted by Booker’s mid-range mastery, put them up 97-94 with minutes to go. However, the Rockets closed the game with defensive stops and Durant’s heroics. The final quarter stats emphasize clutch performance over volume.
Tactical Analysis: Coaching Adjustments
The battle between the coaches was just as intense as the one on the floor. Houston’s head coach Ime Udoka utilized a switch-heavy defensive scheme. The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats reflect this, as the Suns had difficulty creating open looks from deep, forcing them into isolation plays.
On the Phoenix side, head coach Jordan Ott (who took over the reins) tried to exploit the matchup of Sengun in space. The Suns ran multiple pick-and-rolls targeting the Rockets’ center, hoping to tire him out or get him in foul trouble. While Sengun did commit a few fouls, his rebounding numbers (12 boards) show he remained effective.
The tactical nuance that decided the game was Houston’s decision to put length on Booker in the final minutes. Using Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks (ironically, the former Rocket guarding the former Sun in different contexts) disrupted the passing lanes, forcing the Suns into high-difficulty shots.
Shooting Efficiency and Defensive Metrics
In the modern NBA, efficiency is king. Looking at the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats, the True Shooting Percentage (TS%) tells a story of two different styles. Houston relied on high-efficiency shots at the rim and corner threes. Their assists-to-turnover ratio was healthier than Phoenix’s, largely thanks to Fred VanVleet’s steady hand (8 assists, 1 turnover).
Defensively, the Suns actually posted respectable numbers. Holding a potent Rockets offense to 100 points is an achievement. They limited Houston’s fast-break points, a key to the Rockets’ usual game plan. However, the Suns’ own shooting woes—particularly from the role players—doomed them.
The three-point disparity was notable. Royce O’Neale was the only Sun to consistently punish the defense from deep. The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats show that if just one more role player had stepped up for Phoenix, the outcome might have been different.
Bench Depth Comparison
Depth is often the deciding factor in regular-season games. The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats highlight a significant advantage for Houston in this area. The Rockets’ bench, featuring young athletic wings and steady veterans, outscored the Suns’ second unit.
Phoenix’s depth has been a question mark since the trade. Losing key rotation pieces to acquire stars often leaves the bench thin. In this game, players like Collin Gillespie tried to fill the void, scoring 11 points, but the lack of a consistent sixth man hurt the Suns.
Houston, conversely, can rotate fresh bodies like Tari Eason (if active) or Reed Sheppard, keeping the defensive intensity high for 48 minutes. This depth allows their stars like Durant and Sengun to rest without the team losing its lead—a luxury the Suns did not have in this matchup.
Historical Head-to-Head Context
To fully appreciate the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats from 2026, we need to look at the history. These two teams have been trading blows for decades, from the Hakeem Olajuwon vs. Charles Barkley days to the James Harden vs. Chris Paul eras.
In the last five matchups leading up to this game, the Rockets have held the upper hand, winning 3 of the last 5. This trend correlates with Houston’s rebuild reaching maturity while Phoenix has been in a state of retooling.
The stats show that when Houston plays at home, they average nearly 115 points against the Suns historically. Holding them to 100 was a moral victory for the Suns’ defense, even if the result was a loss in the standings.
Future Outlook for the 2026 Season
What do these phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats mean for the rest of the 2026 season? For Houston, it confirms their status as a legitimate contender. They have the star power (Durant), the young core (Sengun, Green, Thompson), and the defense to make a deep playoff run.
For Phoenix, the stats suggest a team that is dangerous but vulnerable. They rely heavily on Booker’s brilliance. If Jalen Green can become a more consistent second option, their offensive ceiling is limitless. However, their lack of size and bench production, as seen in the box score, could be their Achilles’ heel in a seven-game series.
Both teams are likely headed for the playoffs, and this January game might just be a preview of a first-round series. If that happens, expect the intensity—and the stats—to reach an even higher level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was the top scorer in the Suns vs Rockets game on January 5, 2026?
Devin Booker led all scorers with 27 points for the Phoenix Suns. However, Kevin Durant was close behind with 26 points for the Houston Rockets, including the game-winning shot.
2. How did Kevin Durant perform against his former team?
Kevin Durant had an excellent game. According to the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats, he scored 26 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and hit the game-winning 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left on the clock.
3. Did Jalen Green play well against the Rockets?
Jalen Green had a challenging game against his old team. He scored 8 points on 3-of-10 shooting. The stats show he struggled with the Rockets’ physical defense and had 3 turnovers.
4. What were the key team stats that decided the match?
The Rockets won the rebounding battle (out-rebounding the Suns by a small margin) and had better three-point efficiency in clutch moments. The Suns’ 10-0 run in the fourth quarter made it close, but Houston’s execution in the final minute was superior.
5. Who won the rebounding battle: Sengun or the Suns’ centers?
Alperen Sengun dominated the glass with 12 rebounds. The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats show that the Suns struggled to keep him off the boards, which gave Houston crucial second-chance points.
6. Where can I find the full box score for this game?
You can find the detailed phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats on major sports websites like ESPN, CBS Sports, or the official NBA website. They offer comprehensive breakdowns of every play and player metric.
Conclusion: A Game to Remember
The January 5, 2026 clash between Phoenix and Houston was more than just a regular-season game; it was a statement. The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats tell the story of a rivalry that is heating up, fueled by trades, history, and star talent.
Kevin Durant proved he is still one of the game’s ultimate closers, while Devin Booker showed the heart of a champion in defeat. As the 2026 season progresses, fans will look back at this box score as a reference point for how these two Western Conference powerhouses match up. Whether you are analyzing the shooting percentages, the defensive rotations, or the clutch metrics, this game had it all.
If you enjoyed this deep dive into the stats, keep an eye on these two teams. The rematch promises to be even more explosive, and the numbers will surely tell another fascinating story.
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