Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats
Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats: A Deep Dive into the Clash of Titans
The rivalry between the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns has evolved into one of the most electrifying narratives in the Western Conference. Every time these two giants step onto the hardwood, fans witness a spectacle of high-octane scoring, tactical masterclasses, and intense individual battles.
If you are looking for the definitive breakdown of the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats, you have landed in the right place. We aren’t just looking at box scores; we are peeling back the layers of efficiency, defensive ratings, and the “revenge game” storylines that defined their most recent exhilarating encounter at the Toyota Center on January 5, 2026.
With Kevin Durant now donning the Rockets red and facing his former teammate Devin Booker, the stakes have never been higher. Let’s dive deep into the numbers that mattered.
Game Summary: A Defensive Grudge Match Down to the Wire
The most recent chapter in this saga was a heart-stopping thriller that ended with the Houston Rockets edging out the Phoenix Suns 100–97. Unlike the high-scoring shootouts we often expect from modern NBA games, this matchup was a testament to grit, defensive rotations, and clutch execution.
The Rockets entered the game looking to solidify their top-4 standing in the West, while the Suns, led by the lethal scoring of Devin Booker and the defensive intensity of former Rocket Dillon Brooks, were desperate to climb the ladder.
From the opening tip, the energy was palpable. The Suns jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on transition buckets, but Houston’s size advantage in the paint—anchored by Alperen Şengün—slowed the game down, forcing Phoenix into a half-court struggle. The game saw 14 lead changes and 9 ties, proving just how evenly matched these rosters are.
Houston Rockets Player Stats: The KD & Şengün Effect
The Rockets’ victory was built on a balanced attack, but two stars shone brightest. Kevin Durant showed exactly why Houston traded their young core to acquire him, providing stability in crunch time. Meanwhile, Alperen Şengün continued his ascent as one of the league’s premier centers.
Starters Performance Breakdown
| Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% | +/- |
| Kevin Durant | 38 | 26 | 7 | 4 | 52.6% | 40.0% | +8 |
| Alperen Şengün | 34 | 22 | 11 | 8 | 55.0% | 33.3% | +12 |
| Amen Thompson | 36 | 18 | 9 | 6 | 46.7% | 20.0% | +5 |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | 32 | 14 | 8 | 1 | 41.6% | 37.5% | -2 |
| Reed Sheppard | 28 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 44.4% | 50.0% | +1 |
Key Insights from the Rockets’ Box Score
- Kevin Durant’s Efficiency: Durant was surgical. He didn’t force shots, taking what the defense gave him. His mid-range pull-up in the final minute was arguably the dagger that sealed the game. When searching for Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats, KD’s 4th-quarter production is always the standout metric.
- The Şengün Hub: Alperen Şengün flirted with a triple-double. His 8 assists highlight how much of the offense runs through him at the high post. He successfully drew the Suns’ shot blockers out of the paint, creating cutting lanes for Amen Thompson.
- Amen Thompson’s Evolution: Thompson’s athleticism was a problem for Phoenix. His 9 rebounds (3 offensive) created crucial second-chance points that broke the Suns’ momentum in the third quarter.
Phoenix Suns Player Stats: Booker’s Brilliance & Brooks’ Grit
On the other side, the Phoenix Suns fought valiantly. The narrative coming into this game was the return of Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green to Houston—the team that traded them away. While the result wasn’t a win, the effort was undeniable.
Starters Performance Breakdown
| Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% | +/- |
| Devin Booker | 39 | 29 | 5 | 6 | 48.0% | 36.4% | -3 |
| Jalen Green | 35 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 42.1% | 28.6% | -5 |
| Dillon Brooks | 34 | 15 | 6 | 2 | 38.5% | 33.3% | +4 |
| Royce O’Neale | 30 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 40.0% | 40.0% | -1 |
| Mark Williams | 26 | 6 | 10 | 1 | 60.0% | 0.0% | -8 |
Analyzing the Suns’ Numbers
- Devin Booker’s Workload: Booker carried the offensive burden. He faced constant double-teams from Thompson and Sheppard but still managed to drop a game-high 29 points. His ability to navigate screens and find space is elite, though fatigue seemed to set in during the final possessions.
- Jalen Green’s Return: In his return to Toyota Center, Green played with a chip on his shoulder. He attacked the rim aggressively, resulting in 8 free throw attempts. However, his 3-point shot wasn’t falling consistently, which allowed the Rockets to pack the paint.
- Dillon Brooks on Defense: Brooks was his usual disruptive self. He spent most of the night guarding Durant. Holding KD to 26 points (below his season explosion average) is a moral victory, even if the “L” shows up in the standings.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Where the Game Was Won
To truly understand the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats, we have to look at the team differentials. The game wasn’t decided by star power alone; it was decided in the trenches.
Team Stat Comparison Table
| Category | Houston Rockets | Phoenix Suns | Advantage |
| Field Goal % | 48.2% | 45.5% | Rockets |
| 3-Point % | 36.8% | 34.2% | Rockets |
| Free Throw % | 82.1% | 78.9% | Rockets |
| Rebounds | 49 | 42 | Rockets (+7) |
| Assists | 28 | 24 | Rockets |
| Turnovers | 14 | 11 | Suns |
| Points in Paint | 52 | 44 | Rockets |
| Fast Break Points | 16 | 22 | Suns |
The Rebounding Battle
The most glaring statistic here is the rebounding margin. Houston out-rebounded Phoenix by 7 boards. In a game decided by 3 points, those extra possessions were gold. Mark Williams battled hard for the Suns, but the combination of Şengün, Smith Jr., and the lengthy Thompson was too much for the Suns’ frontcourt to handle.
Tactical Breakdown: Offense vs. Defense
Houston’s “Inside-Out” Approach
Coach Ime Udoka’s game plan was clear: punish the Suns inside. By feeding Şengün early, they forced Phoenix to collapse their defense. This opened up the perimeter for shooters like Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr. The Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats show a high number of “hockey assists” (the pass before the assist) for the Rockets, indicating immense ball movement.
Phoenix’s Transition Game
The Suns knew they couldn’t match Houston’s size in a half-court set, so they pushed the pace. Jalen Green and Devin Booker looked to run after every missed Rocket shot. The Suns won the Fast Break Points battle 22–16, a strategy that kept them in the game until the final buzzer.
Key Individual Matchups
Kevin Durant vs. Dillon Brooks
This was the matchup everyone paid to see. Brooks, known for his physical and often irritating defensive style, tried to get under Durant’s skin. There were moments of tension—a little shoving after the whistle in the second quarter—but Durant remained composed. Durant’s length allowed him to shoot over Brooks, neutralizing the physical play.
Alperen Şengün vs. Mark Williams
A clash of styles. Şengün is a wizard with the ball, while Williams is a classic rim protector. The stats show Şengün won this battle decisively. Williams struggled to defend Şengün without fouling, which limited his minutes and effectiveness.
Impact on the Western Conference Standings
This win was massive for Houston. It solidified their position as a top-4 seed, giving them a crucial buffer over teams like the Mavericks and Kings. For Phoenix, the loss was a setback, pushing them dangerously close to the Play-In tournament zone.
When analyzing Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats, it’s important to view them through the lens of playoff seeding. Every rebound and every point in these head-to-head matchups could determine home-court advantage in April.
Bench Production: The Unsung Heroes
While the starters grab the headlines, the bench units played a pivotal role.
Houston Bench:
- Tari Eason: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals. His energy off the bench is infectious. He provided the defensive spark that ignited a 10-2 run in the second quarter.
- Steven Adams: In limited minutes (12), he set bone-crushing screens that freed up shooters.
Phoenix Bench:
- Grayson Allen: 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting from deep. He kept the Suns alive when the starters were resting.
- Cole Anthony: Struggled to organize the offense, finishing with 3 turnovers in 10 minutes.
The Rockets’ bench outscored the Suns’ bench 32–24, another key factor in the final outcome.
Why This Rivalry Matters for NBA Fans
The dynamic between these two teams has shifted dramatically. The trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston in exchange for a package including Jalen Green completely flipped the script. Now, you have the “Old Guard” (Durant) leading a young Rockets team against his former “Young Protege” (Booker) who is now leading the Suns.
This narrative adds a layer of emotional weight to every Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats sheet. It’s not just about winning a game; it’s about validating the massive roster moves both franchises made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was the leading scorer in the most recent Rockets vs. Suns match?
Devin Booker led all scorers with 29 points, although his efforts fell just short of a victory for the Suns. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 26 points.
2. How many rebounds did Alperen Şengün get?
Alperen Şengün was a beast on the boards, pulling down 11 rebounds (4 offensive and 7 defensive) to go along with his 22 points.
3. Did Kevin Durant play against his former team?
Yes, Kevin Durant played and was instrumental in the Rockets’ win. He recorded 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, showing no mercy to his former squad.
4. What was the final score of the Jan 5, 2026 game?
The Houston Rockets defeated the Phoenix Suns with a final score of 100–97 in a game that came down to the final possession.
5. How did Jalen Green perform in his return to Houston?
Jalen Green scored 21 points but struggled slightly with efficiency from the three-point line. He showed great aggression attacking the rim but finished -5 in the plus/minus column.
6. Where can I find live updates for future Rockets vs. Suns games?
You can track real-time Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats on major sports apps like ESPN, the official NBA app, or Flashscore.
Conclusion: A Preview of What’s to Come
As we look toward the playoffs, the battles between Houston and Phoenix are only going to get more intense. The Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats from January 5th tell the story of two teams with championship aspirations but contrasting styles.
Houston relies on size, defensive versatility, and the brilliance of Şengün and Durant. Phoenix relies on the explosive scoring of their backcourt and transition speed.
If these two teams meet in a seven-game playoff series, expect fireworks. Until then, we will keep analyzing every box score, every rebound, and every point to bring you the best analysis on the web. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this explosive Western Conference rivalry!
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