https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/houston-rockets-phoenix-suns-recap-18684039.php

March 31, 2025

Rockets Dominate Suns 148-109 with Durant Out

When the hardwood lit up on March 30, 2025, NBA fans witnessed more than just a game — they watched a statement. The Houston Rockets stormed through the Footprint Center like a team on a mission, dismantling the Phoenix Suns in a commanding 148-109 triumph. What began as a routine regular-season matchup quickly turned into a showcase of Houston’s firepower and a sobering night for the Suns, hindered by the untimely departure of a superstar.

Rockets Ignite in Phoenix

From the opening tip, the Rockets wasted no time establishing dominance. Jalen Green, blazing down the court like a comet streaking through the desert sky, dropped an electrifying 33 points, four of which came from beyond the arc. Alongside him, big man Alperen Şengün controlled the paint, tallying 16 points and grabbing nine boards, keeping the Suns on their heels all night long.

Meanwhile, Devin Booker did his best to keep the Suns' flame alive, putting up a valiant 28 points. But the night’s tone took a drastic turn when Kevin Durant rolled his ankle early in the game. As he limped off the court, so did much of Phoenix’s momentum. The absence of the seasoned scorer echoed loudly, leaving the Suns scrambling to reorganize without their leader.

Turning Points

Houston’s Relentless Offense: The Rockets capitalized on every opportunity. With fluid ball movement and precision shooting, they found seams in the Suns' defense and punished them with ruthless efficiency.
Defensive Collapse: Phoenix, already navigating a tough season, couldn’t recover from Durant's exit. Defensive rotations faltered, and second-chance points piled up in Houston’s favor.
The Playoff Picture: This win propels Houston to a 49-26 record, further anchoring their postseason campaign. In contrast, the Suns fall to 35-40, teetering on the edge of elimination in the competitive Western Conference.

What’s Next

Phoenix Suns: They’ll try to rebound against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 1 at 7:30 PM ET, a crucial game with dwindling playoff hopes and Durant’s injury status looming large.
Houston Rockets: Riding momentum, the Rockets head to Los Angeles to battle the Lakers on March 31 at 10:00 PM ET, eyeing a stronger seeding position.

As the final buzzer echoed across the arena, the Rockets walked away not just with a win, but with a warning to the league — this is a team clicking at the right time. For the Suns, the road ahead grows steeper, especially if Durant's ankle continues to be a question mark in what’s left of their season.