Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats
The Thrilling Battle: Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats Revealed
The energy inside the arena was absolutely electric as two of the Western Conference’s most exciting teams took to the hardwood. When fans search for the houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats, they aren’t just looking for cold numbers; they want to feel the intensity of every jump shot and defensive stop. This recent clash lived up to the massive hype, showcasing a beautiful blend of veteran mastery and explosive young talent. It was a game defined by momentum swings, where lead changes felt like a rollercoaster ride for every spectator in the building.
Watching the Rockets and Suns compete is always a treat because their styles are so different yet equally effective. The Rockets brought their high-speed transition game, while the Suns leaned on their surgical half-court execution. Seeing these strategies collide created a statistical goldmine for basketball enthusiasts. Every possession felt heavy with meaning, and the final box score tells a story of grit, determination, and elite skill. Let’s dive deep into the specific performances that made this matchup an instant classic for NBA fans across the United States.
Massive Scoring Leaders: Who Dominated the Paint and Perimeter?
When we break down the houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats, the scoring column is where the magic starts. Kevin Durant, now a cornerstone for the Houston Rockets after a blockbuster summer trade, proved exactly why he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He wasn’t just scoring; he was clinical, hitting a legendary game-winning three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock. His ability to rise above defenders and find his “spots” remains unmatched, finishing the night with a team-high 26 points that silenced his former team’s fans.
On the other side, Devin Booker showed why he is the heart and soul of the Phoenix Suns. Booker was relentless, attacking the rim and drawing fouls with veteran savvy to finish with 27 points. His duel with the Rockets’ young core was a sight to behold, as he single-handedly sparked a 10-0 run late in the fourth quarter. The scoring wasn’t just limited to the superstars, though. Supporting players stepped up in huge ways, ensuring that the defense couldn’t simply double-team the primary options without paying a steep price on the scoreboard.
Professional Box Score: Rockets vs. Suns (Jan 5, 2026)
This table provides a “Play-by-Play” level of detail. It covers the 100-97 victory for Houston, focusing on the players who saw the most action and had the highest impact on the game.
Houston Rockets: Full Match Player Stats
| Player | Min | FG M-A | 3P M-A | FT M-A | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS |
| Kevin Durant | 38 | 9-21 | 2-12 | 6-6 | 10 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 26 |
| Amen Thompson | 37 | 5-13 | 0-0 | 7-7 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 17 |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | 38 | 6-11 | 3-8 | 2-4 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 17 |
| Tari Eason | 30 | 5-15 | 2-6 | 0-0 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 12 |
| Reed Sheppard | 23 | 5-9 | 1-4 | 0-0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 11 |
| Steven Adams | 31 | 4-7 | 0-0 | 0-4 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 |
| Aaron Holiday | 10 | 2-3 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Phoenix Suns: Full Match Player Stats
| Player | Min | FG M-A | 3P M-A | FT M-A | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PTS |
| Devin Booker | 32 | 9-20 | 2-5 | 7-8 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 27 |
| Dillon Brooks | 34 | 7-15 | 1-6 | 0-0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 15 |
| Royce O’Neale | 30 | 5-12 | 5-12 | 0-0 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Collin Gillespie | 25 | 4-11 | 3-9 | 0-0 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| Jordan Goodwin | 25 | 4-7 | 3-4 | 0-0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 11 |
| Oso Ighodaro | 27 | 4-5 | 0-0 | 1-2 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 9 |
| Mark Williams | 20 | 2-6 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Advanced Shooting & Efficiency Comparison
To help the article rank for “shooting efficiency” searches, this table compares the “Four Factors” of basketball success for both teams.
| Advanced Metric | Houston Rockets | Phoenix Suns |
| Field Goal % | 43.7% | 42.0% |
| 3-Point % | 24.3% | 34.1% |
| Free Throw % | 71.4% | 75.0% |
| Effective FG% (eFG%) | 48.9% | 50.0% |
| Offensive Rating | 110.2 | 106.9 |
| Defensive Rating | 106.9 | 110.2 |
| Turnover % | 15.4% | 11.0% |
The 2026 Head-to-Head Season Record
Google loves “contextual data.” This table shows how dominant the Rockets have been in this specific matchup throughout the current 2025-26 season.
| Date | Winner | Score | High Scorer (Rockets) | High Scorer (Suns) |
| Jan 5, 2026 | Houston | 100-97 | Kevin Durant (26) | Devin Booker (27) |
| Dec 5, 2025 | Houston | 117-98 | Alperen Sengun (24) | Devin Booker (22) |
| Nov 24, 2025 | Houston | 114-92 | Amen Thompson (28) | Dillon Brooks (29) |
Official Future Schedule: April 2026
Fans searching for these stats often want to know when the next game is. Providing the remaining 2026 schedule makes your article the “final destination” for their search.
| Date | Day | Time (EST) | Venue | Location |
| April 7, 2026 | Tuesday | 8:00 PM | Footprint Center | Phoenix, AZ |
| April 8, 2026 | Wednesday | 10:00 PM | Footprint Center | Phoenix, AZ |
| April 14-17, 2026 | TBD | TBD | Play-In Tournament | TBD |
Defensive Masterclass: Boards, Blocks, and Steals
Defense wins championships, and the houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats prove that the Rockets are taking that motto to heart. Steven Adams was a literal mountain in the paint, snatching 11 rebounds and providing the kind of physical rim protection that changes how opponents drive to the basket. His presence allowed the Rockets to win the rebounding battle 51 to 40, a massive factor in a game decided by only three points. When you control the glass, you control the tempo, and Houston did exactly that.
The Suns’ defense was equally scrappy, led by the perimeter pressure of Grayson Allen and the versatile Royce O’Neale. Allen managed to rack up 4 steals, constantly poking the ball away and disrupting the Rockets’ rhythm. Phoenix focused on forcing turnovers to fuel their fast break, which kept them in the game even when their half-court shots weren’t falling. The back-and-forth defensive intensity was a reminder that these teams aren’t just offensive juggernauts; they are willing to get their hands dirty to secure a victory.
Rising Stars: The Impact of Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard
One of the most refreshing aspects of the houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats is seeing the growth of Houston’s young talent. Amen Thompson was a Swiss Army knife on the court, contributing 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. His athleticism is terrifying for defenders, as he can move from the perimeter to the rim in the blink of an eye. Thompson’s clutch three-point play late in the game was the catalyst that allowed the Rockets to tie the score and set the stage for Durant’s heroics.
Rookie sensation Reed Sheppard also made his mark, proving that the bright lights of a tight NBA game don’t phase him. Coming off the bench, Sheppard provided 11 points and showed a high basketball IQ that belies his age. His ability to space the floor and make the right pass under pressure has quickly made him a favorite among the coaching staff. It is clear that the Rockets’ future is incredibly bright with these young dynamos learning alongside a seasoned veteran like Kevin Durant.
Key Tactical Turning Points: How the Game Was Won
Analyzing the houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats requires looking at the “game within the game.” The fourth quarter was a tactical chess match between the two coaching staffs. Phoenix utilized a small-ball lineup to try and pull Steven Adams away from the basket, which successfully sparked their 10-0 scoring run. By forcing the Rockets to defend the perimeter, the Suns found lanes for Devin Booker to exploit. It was a brilliant move that nearly stole the win on the road.
However, Houston responded by putting the ball in Kevin Durant’s hands and letting him facilitate. Durant’s gravity as a scorer opened up lanes for Jabari Smith Jr., who hit crucial buckets to stop the bleeding. The final sequence was a masterpiece of execution: a perfectly set screen, a quick pass, and Durant’s signature pull-up jumper. These high-level adjustments are what make the NBA the best league in the world, and they were reflected perfectly in the efficiency ratings of the primary players.
The Bench Factor: Unsung Heroes of the Night
While the starters usually grab the headlines, the houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats highlight some incredible contributions from the reserves. Tari Eason was a fireball of energy for Houston, finishing with a double-double threat of 12 points and 8 rebounds. His “plus-minus” rating showed that the team simply played better whenever he was on the floor. Eason’s hustle plays—diving for loose balls and tip-ins—provided the emotional spark the Rockets needed during the dry spells of the second quarter.
Phoenix also saw great production from Collin Gillespie, who stepped up with 11 points and 6 rebounds. In a league where depth is everything, having a backup guard who can score and facilitate is a luxury. The Suns’ bench kept the game competitive while the starters rested, ensuring the lead never got out of hand. These “glue guys” might not always have the flashiest stats, but their impact on the final outcome is undeniable and deserves recognition in any serious game analysis.
Team Comparison: A Statistical Deep Dive
Looking at the team-wide houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats, we see a fascinating contrast. The Rockets shot 44% from the field compared to the Suns’ 42%. While the percentages were close, Houston’s dominance in the “Points in the Paint” category (52 to 44) was a deciding factor. They used their size advantage to bully their way to the cup, leading to more high-percentage shots. It was a clear strategic choice to emphasize strength over finesse in this specific matchup.
Conversely, the Suns were much better from the free-throw line, hitting 75% of their attempts. Their ability to draw contact and convert at the stripe kept them within striking distance throughout the night. They also took better care of the ball, committing only 10 turnovers compared to Houston’s 14. This statistical tug-of-war—size and rebounding vs. shooting and ball security—is what made the game so compelling for four full quarters of action.
Looking Ahead: What These Stats Mean for the Season
The houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats from this game offer a preview of the Western Conference playoff race. Houston has officially arrived as a powerhouse, proving they can beat elite teams even in high-pressure situations. The chemistry between their veterans and youth is developing faster than many analysts predicted. If they continue to dominate the boards and play with this level of defensive intensity, they will be a nightmare matchup for anyone in a seven-game series.
For the Phoenix Suns, this loss is a teaching moment. Despite the defeat, their ability to execute late-game runs shows they have the “clutch gene.” As they continue to integrate their newer rotation players, their consistency should improve. They remain one of the most dangerous offensive units in the NBA, and a healthy Devin Booker is always a threat to drop 40 points on any given night. Both teams left the arena with a lot to be proud of and plenty of data to study.
Expert Commentary: The Psychological Edge
Beyond the houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats, there was a palpable psychological battle on the court. Kevin Durant playing against his former team always adds a layer of drama that affects player performance. You could see the extra focus in Durant’s eyes, and conversely, the Suns defenders seemed extra motivated to stop him. This emotional “extra gear” often leads to higher statistical outputs as players push their bodies to the absolute limit for bragging rights.
Basketball is a game of runs and emotions, and this match was a perfect example. When the Suns went on their late run, the Rockets didn’t panic—they leaned on their experience. This mental toughness is a “hidden stat” that doesn’t always show up in a traditional box score but is vital for winning. The maturity shown by the young Rockets players in supporting Durant’s leadership was perhaps the most impressive takeaway from the entire evening at the Toyota Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who had the most points in the Rockets vs. Suns match?
Devin Booker led all scorers with 27 points, though Kevin Durant was right behind him with 26 points, including the game-winning shot.
2. How did Kevin Durant perform against his former team?
Durant had a stellar “revenge” game, recording a double-double with 26 points and 10 rebounds, capped off by a clutch game-winner.
3. What was the key factor in the Rockets’ victory?
The Rockets’ dominance on the boards (51-40) and their ability to score 52 points in the paint were the primary reasons they secured the win.
4. Did any rookies stand out in the player stats?
Yes, Reed Sheppard played exceptionally well off the bench for Houston, contributing 11 points and showing great poise under pressure.
5. How many rebounds did Steven Adams get?
Steven Adams was the rebounding leader of the game, pulling down 11 boards and providing elite rim protection for the Rockets.
6. What was the final score of the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns game?
The Houston Rockets defeated the Phoenix Suns with a final score of 100-97 in a nail-biting finish.
Conclusion: A Rivalry Reborn
In conclusion, the houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats tell a story of a burgeoning rivalry that every NBA fan should watch closely. From Kevin Durant’s ice-cold game-winner to Devin Booker’s relentless scoring, this game had everything a sports lover could ask for. The statistical depth shows two teams that are incredibly evenly matched, with one leaning on youthful exuberance and the other on veteran precision. It was a high-stakes chess match played at 100 miles per hour.
As the season progresses, these two squads will likely meet again with even higher stakes. If you love elite basketball, make sure to keep an eye on these box scores, because the numbers only tell half the story—the passion on the court tells the rest. Whether you are a die-hard Rockets fan or a Suns supporter, there is no denying that this matchup is one of the premier events in the NBA calendar. We can’t wait to see what happens in the next chapter of this incredible Western Conference saga!
What was your favorite moment from the game? Let us know in the comments below and share this breakdown with your fellow basketball fans!