Rockets With Huge Comeback Win Over Suns In KD's Return to Phoenix

Three Takeaways From the Rockets' 119-105 Victory

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:06am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the team colors of the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns, representing the intense action and physicality of their basketball game.A cubist interpretation of the intense on-court battle between the Rockets and Suns, with fragmented shapes and colors capturing the physical, high-energy clash.Houston Today

The Houston Rockets faced off against the Phoenix Suns in a late night showdown and made their largest comeback of the season, rallying from a 21-point deficit to win 119-105. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 24 points in his first game back in Phoenix since being traded, while Amen Thompson recorded a double-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Why it matters

This was a crucial win for the Rockets as they continue to battle for playoff positioning in the tight Western Conference standings. The Rockets' brand of physical, defensive-minded basketball was on full display as they outrebounded the Suns 55-34 and scored 37 second-chance points. The comeback also showcased the Rockets' depth, with seven players scoring in double figures.

The details

The Rockets fell behind early, trailing the Suns 26-5 after a 24-0 run by Phoenix in the first quarter. But Houston chipped away at the deficit, cutting it to just 3 points by halftime. In the second half, the Rockets took control, going on a 30-12 run in the fourth quarter to pull away for the victory. Amen Thompson was a key catalyst, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while also dishing out 8 assists and making 3 steals. Jabari Smith Jr. added 20 points, including 5 three-pointers.

  • The Rockets and Suns hadn't met since January.
  • This was Kevin Durant's first game back in Phoenix since being traded to the Rockets.
  • It was also Jalen Green's first time facing the Rockets since he was traded to the Suns.

The players

Kevin Durant

The star forward scored a team-high 24 points in his return to Phoenix.

Amen Thompson

The Rockets' rookie guard recorded a double-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Jalen Green

The former Rockets draft pick scored 15 points for the Suns in the loss.

Dillon Brooks

The Suns forward scored 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting.

Ime Udoka

The Rockets' head coach has instilled a physical, defensive-minded playing style that was on display in the comeback win.

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What they’re saying

“We just had to settle in and be the more physical team. The effort on both ends was the difference.”

— Ime Udoka, Rockets Head Coach

What’s next

The Rockets return home for three games to wrap up the regular season, starting with a matchup against the 76ers on Thursday.

The takeaway

This comeback win showcases the Rockets' resilience and depth, as they were able to overcome a large early deficit by dominating the boards, playing tough defense, and getting contributions from multiple players. The victory keeps the Rockets in the hunt for a high playoff seed in the crowded Western Conference.