The Rockets have almost said goodbye to the “play-in” and therefore to the playoffs, but that will not stop them from playing spoilsport until the end. The proof with this surprise victory in Phoenix, in a meeting that they dominated from start to finish. A real revenge after the success of these same Suns, Thursday, against these same Rockets.
Everything was decided from the first quarter with Kevin Durant's teammates taken by the throat by the enthusiasm of Jalen Green (34 points) and Alperen Sengun (21 points, 10 rebounds). The entry of Amen Thompson brings even more dynamism, and the Rockets go 16-0 in three minutes to take a 20-point lead (35-15) in the first quarter!
Fred VanVleet, boss of the last quarter
Result, the Suns will chase the score throughout the meeting. They will lose, along the way, Bradley Beal (expelled), Jusuf Nurkic (neck injury) and finally Devin Booker (sprained ankle). Thanks to Josh Okogie, they will be very close to the hold-up since they will come back to one point (99-98) seven minutes from the end. But the Rockets, for once, will show composure, and it is Fred VanVleet (24 points, 11 assists) who will make the difference. First at 3-points, then sending Jalen Green to dunk and serving Alperen Sengun near the circle, and Dillon Brooks from afar (109-102).
The Rockets thus signed a 14-4 at the best time to win 118-109 in Phoenix. This is their first victory in 10 away matches.
What you must remember
– Devin Booker is out with an injury. Bad evening for the Suns who lost three starters in the same evening, including two to injuries. First it was Jusuf Nurkic who missed the entire second half after receiving a blow to the face from Josh Okogie. The Suns staff mentions a neck problem. Then, at the very end of the match, it was Devin Booker who twisted his ankle while stepping on Royce O'Neale's foot.
– Bradley Beal ejected. Not content with delivering one of his best matches of the season, Jalen Green caused the exit of Bradley Beal. back on the court, the former Wizards fullback received two technical fouls, synonymous with expulsion. The second, in the 3rd quarter, after a big session of “trash talking” with Green where he broke down by sticking his forearm in his face. Clearly, it's frustration since he was dominated all evening by the young Houston back.
– Amar’e Stoudemire honored. At halftime of the match, Amar'e Stoudemire became the 12th player in franchise history to enter the “Ring Of Honor”. In the presence of his family and former teammates like Steve Nash, the “Stoud” saw his number 32 come to be placed on the ceiling of the room between the number 31 of Shawn Marion and the number 33 of Alvan Adams.
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
