HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Houston Rockets defeated the Phoenix Suns 100-97 on Monday night at Toyota Center, completing a three-game season sweep. A crowd of 18,055 saw the Rockets improve to 22-11 while the Suns fell to 21-15. Houston built a 54-60 halftime lead and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the second half. Phoenix, led by Devin Booker, cut the deficit to three points in the final minute but could not complete the comeback. Kevin Durant paced the Rockets’ attack. The Rockets have now won all three meetings between the teams this season. Houston next visits Portland on Wednesday, while Phoenix travels to Memphis.

HOUSTON (Interstat) — Kevin Durant’s 27-foot 3-pointer over his former team with 1.1 seconds remaining lifted the Houston Rockets to a dramatic 100-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday night at Toyota Center. In a game defined by defensive intensity and missed opportunities, Durant’s clutch shot broke a 97-97 tie and provided the final margin before a crowd of 18,055. The superstar forward, acquired by Houston from Phoenix in a blockbuster offseason trade, finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, capping a performance where he struggled with his shot for long stretches before delivering the decisive blow. The contest was a grind from the outset, with both teams struggling to find consistent offensive rhythm. The Suns, fueled by an early burst from guard Collin Gillespie, built a 60-54 halftime lead behind 29 first-quarter points. Phoenix maintained control through much of the third quarter before a significant scoring drought altered the game’s trajectory. Houston’s defense tightened considerably after halftime, holding the Suns to just 18 points in the third quarter and 37 total in the second half. Phoenix went scoreless for a critical stretch of over four minutes in the fourth quarter, allowing the Rockets to erase a deficit and set the stage for the tense finish. Devin Booker led the Suns with 27 points but was hounded into difficult shots down the stretch, including a missed 3-point attempt at the buzzer that would have tied the game after Durant’s go-ahead basket. Royce O’Neale added 15 points for Phoenix, while Gillespie provided 11 points and six rebounds off the bench. Beyond Durant, Houston received balanced contributions throughout its lineup. Amen Thompson provided crucial two-way play with 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Jabari Smith Jr. matched Thompson’s 17 points and added seven rebounds, while Steven Adams controlled the glass with 11 rebounds and eight points. Tari Eason (12 points, eight rebounds) and rookie Reed Sheppard (11 points) provided valuable energy off the bench. The victory improved Houston’s record to 22-11, solidifying its position near the top of the Western Conference. The Rockets have now won eight of their last ten games. Phoenix fell to 21-15 with the loss, snapping a two-game winning streak. The Suns have lost all three meetings with the Rockets this season. The game’s most important sequence unfolded in the final 30 seconds of a tied game. After a Phoenix shot-clock violation with 5.7 seconds left, Houston called timeout to advance the ball. The inbounds play found Durant near the top of the key, where he created just enough space against tight defense to drain the deep 3-pointer. Phoenix used its final timeout to advance the ball, but Booker’s contested fadeaway from the wing as time expired caromed off the rim. Houston’s ability to win despite shooting inconsistencies underscored its defensive growth. The Rockets forced 18 Phoenix turnovers and limited the Suns to 37 second-half points after a high-scoring first half. The game’s total points, 197, fell well below the pregame over/under line of 225, highlighting the defensive struggle. Durant’s game-winner served as a poignant moment in his first season with Houston following the summer trade that sent Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green to Phoenix. He has now scored at least 26 points in five consecutive games. Phoenix will look to rebound Wednesday when it visits the Memphis Grizzlies. Houston begins a three-game road trip the same night in Portland against the Trail Blazers.

Preview: Suns, Rockets Clash in Key Western Conference Matchup HOUSTON (Interstat) — Two of the Western Conference’s top teams will meet Monday night when the Phoenix Suns visit the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. The Rockets (21-11) enter with a slight edge in the standings over the Suns (21-14) and have dominated the season series, winning the first two meetings decisively. Houston routed Phoenix 117-98 at home on Dec. 5, after a 114-92 victory in Phoenix on Nov. 24. Houston is projected as a strong favorite, with National Statistical’s ELO system giving the Rockets a 75.1% probability to win. The Rockets have been installed as 8.5-point favorites, with an over/under of 225. The game features a marquee matchup at forward between Phoenix’s Devin Booker and Houston’s Kevin Durant, both in elite form. Booker is averaging 26.7 points and 6.1 assists over his last 10 games, including a 24-point, 9-assist performance in Sunday’s 108-105 win over Oklahoma City. Durant has been equally formidable for Houston, averaging 28.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists over the same span. He posted 34 points, seven assists and three blocks in a 110-104 loss to Dallas on Saturday. Phoenix has won seven of its last 10 games but is just 3-7 on the road against Western Conference opponents this season. The Suns’ recent surge has been fueled by Booker and strong supporting performances, including a 26-point outing from guard Jordan Goodwin in Sunday’s win. Houston has won seven of its last 10 as well, boasting a 13-4 record at home. The Rockets’ defense, ranked in the top five, will be tested by Phoenix’s high-powered offense. Following Monday’s contest, Phoenix begins a three-game homestand Wednesday against Memphis. Houston opens a three-game road trip Wednesday in Portland.