HOUSTON — Amen Thompson delivered a standout performance with 18 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, achieving his fourth career triple-double as the Houston Rockets clinched a 119-111 victory against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
This marks Thompson’s second triple-double this month, following his earlier achievement on February 3. The game saw a tie after Bol Bol’s three-pointer, but the Rockets took control with an impressive 11-2 run, securing a 115-106 advantage with just over a minute remaining.
Jalen Green kick-started that crucial run by scoring the first five points, while Dillon Brooks contributed two consecutive three-pointers, enabling Houston to extend their lead.
On the other side, Kevin Durant led the Suns with 37 points, despite the team being without Devin Booker, who was sidelined due to a bruised lower back. This loss marked the Suns’ third consecutive defeat and their sixth in seven games.
The Suns entered the fourth quarter with an eight-point lead, but the Rockets mounted a comeback to secure the win. Alperen Sengun contributed significantly with 17 points and 13 rebounds after recovering from back spasms that had kept him out for most of the previous game. Additionally, Tari Eason scored 25 points, while Jalen Green finished with 22 points.
Takeaways from the game include the observation that Durant is performing at a high level, but the Suns will need their other key players to regain full health to ease the burden on the 36-year-old star. Meanwhile, the Rockets showcased a well-rounded offensive effort, with all five starters contributing at least 17 points.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred when Durant’s dunk narrowed the Suns’ deficit to just three points, but Brooks’ consecutive three-pointers solidified the Rockets’ lead.
Statistically, one key highlight for the Rockets was their ability to capitalize on the Suns’ mistakes, scoring 25 points off 17 turnovers committed by Phoenix.
In their upcoming games, the Rockets will be facing the Warriors at home on Thursday night, while the Suns will have a break before visiting the Spurs after the All-Star break on February 20.
