PHOENIX — It’s crazy to say that Game 8 of a regular season is a must-win, but with Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets on the other side of the court, it felt like one for the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.
And the Suns didn’t just win; they put together one of their most cohesive performances of the year against one of the Western Conference’s best teams.
Nov 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix came out aggressive in the first quarter, keeping Houston from scoring much while shooting 76% from the field and building a 35-23 lead. The second quarter told a different story, as Phoenix’s shooting struggles and turnovers let the Rockets run. Houston closed the half on a 22-3 run, turning a 19-point deficit into a 47-47 tie heading into the locker room.
Despite watching their once-commanding lead disappear, the Suns didn’t let Houston’s momentum shift derail them.
Both teams battled, but it was star Devin Booker’s scoring in the final moments of the fourth quarter that ultimately sealed the game for Phoenix. Booker scored seven straight points to give the Suns some much-needed separation and put them in position to close out the 102-99 victory.
Kevin Durant on being back in Phoenix:
“It’s a normal, regular game. I played here for 2.5 years. I loved living in Phoenix. I miss it everyday to be honest with you. My favorite place to live in the league. I’ve got no problems with anybody here.” https://t.co/ELnVIL7eSE
— Booker Muse (@DevinBookerMuse) November 8, 2026
Durant had the opportunity to tie the game for Houston with a 3-point shot in the final seconds, but he missed. And while the crowd cheered and booed the former Sun throughout the night, the Rockets All-Star had nothing but love for the city he once called home for over two years.
“It’s a normal, regular game,” Durant said postgame to reporters, according to The Athletic’s Will Guillory. “I played here for two and a half years, bro. It’s not that deep. I loved living in Phoenix. I miss it every day, to be honest with you. It’s my favorite place to live in the league. But outside of that, I’ve got no problems with anybody here.”
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) argues with Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Durant’s exit from Phoenix was the headline before the 2025-26 season, when the club sent him to the Rockets in exchange for Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green. And while the teams have met several times since the trade, Saturday’s win marked the Suns’ first victory over Houston after losing eight straight games to the Rockets.
Durant finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, but struggled to find his shooting rhythm, going 5-of-14 from the field and 1-of-7 from 3-point range.
Nov 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Beyond Durant’s return, the win was also a strong example of what Phoenix can do when its offense gets contributions from across the roster. Booker led the way with 24 points, while Green added 16 and Bridges recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds to go along with seven assists.
The win marked the team’s first consecutive wins of the season and showed the kind of offensive balance, resilience and late-game execution it will need to compete against the Western Conference’s best.
After letting a 19-point lead slip away, the Suns found a way to regroup, trust their stars and finish the job.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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