Kevin Durant relieved to help Suns end 'tough stretch' with a win
Chris Myson
December 28, 2023 22:17 MYT
December 28, 2023 22:17 MYT
Kevin Durant was relieved to play a leading role in ending the Phoenix Suns' three-game losing streak against the Houston Rockets.
He registered a career-high 16 assists to go with 27 points and 10 rebounds in his 18th career triple-double on Wednesday, giving the Suns a 129-113 win.
Durant shot 9 of 16 from the field and 3 of 7 from 3-point range as Phoenix snapped a three-game losing run with its first road victory since Nov. 26.
Eric Gordon also scored 27 points in his first game back in Houston since being traded in February. He had 17 points in the Suns' 43-point second quarter.
The Suns are back in action against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday and Durant is thrilled to go into a six-game homestand – their longest of the season – with a key road win behind them.
"It was amazing to get back on the winning side," he said.
"It sucks losing. Having a tough stretch in the NBA is one of the worst feelings you can have, regardless of how many games we play in a season."
Have yourself a night, 35! pic.twitter.com/xHjL5Ab5Uc — Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 28, 2023
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Phoenix is 15-15 after winning just three of their last 10 games, putting them 10th in the Western Conference.
"Kevin just got into an aggressive mode to score or pass," added Suns coach Frank Vogel.
"Taking the ball in the backcourt, running a high volume of pick and rolls and just being aggressive. He really led us."
Devin Booker had 20 points for the Suns and there were 16 points from Grayson Allen.
Alperen Sengun had 24 points and Jalen Green added 23 for the Rockets, who have lost four of six following a five-game winning streak.
The Rockets fell to 15-14 after Gordon made his mark on his return to Houston, sinking seven 3-pointers.
"It was great to be back here – I had a lot of good memories and a lot of fun here and it was a major turning point in my career, coming to Houston," said Gordon.