Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats
Basketball fans love watching the Houston Rockets take on the Phoenix Suns. These two teams bring excitement every time they step on the court. The players give their all, and the stats tell the real story of what happens during the game. When you look at the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats, you see who showed up big and who struggled under pressure.
I have watched both teams play many times over the years. The Western Conference matchup always delivers close games and highlight plays. The Suns bring their veteran leadership while the Rockets counter with young energy and fast breaks. This contrast makes checking the player stats after each game so important for fans who want to understand what really happened.
Game Summary & Final Score
The latest battle between these Western Conference rivals did not disappoint. Both teams came ready to play from the opening tip. The energy in the arena felt electric as fans packed the seats wearing their team colors proudly. From the first quarter, you could tell this game would go down to the wire. The Suns jumped out to an early lead behind some hot shooting. But the young Rockets squad showed real toughness by fighting back before halftime. They refused to let the game get away from them.
The second half brought even more excitement. Lead changes happened on almost every possession. Both coaches made adjustments, but the players on the court decided the outcome. In the end, the final score reflected how close this game really was. When you study the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats, you see why the game stayed tight throughout. Both teams had multiple players step up at key moments. The bench contributions mattered just as much as the starters on this night. The final buzzer sounded with one team celebrating and the other left wondering what could have been.
First Quarter Performance
The opening quarter set the tone for this intense matchup. The Suns came out firing on all cylinders. Their veteran guards controlled the pace right away. They moved the ball well and found open looks against the Rockets defense. Devin Booker looked especially sharp in the first twelve minutes. He knocked down shots from everywhere on the floor. His mid-range game gave the Rockets fits because they could not stop him from getting to his spots. The Suns built a small lead thanks to his hot start.
On the other side, the Rockets needed someone to answer back. Jalen Green stepped up to the challenge. He used his quickness to get past defenders and finish at the rim. His energy lifted the whole team and kept the game from getting out of hand. Looking at the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats from just the first quarter, you notice the rebounding battle already taking shape. Both teams crashed the boards hard. Second chance points kept the score close even when shots weren’t falling. By the time the first quarter ended, fans knew they were in for a treat.
| Quarter | Rockets | Suns | Top scorer (quarter) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 28 | 32 | Devin Booker (14) |
| 2nd | 31 | 27 | Jalen Green (12) |
| 3rd | 26 | 29 | Kevin Durant (13) |
| 4th | 30 | 30 | Booker / Green (9 each) |
Second Quarter Adjustments
The second quarter brought important changes from both coaching staffs. The Rockets realized they needed to slow down the Suns half-court offense. They started pressing more and forcing turnovers. This defensive shift changed the game completely. Houston went on a nice run midway through the quarter. Their young players pushed the ball in transition and scored easy baskets. Alperen Sengun showed off his passing skills from the high post. He found cutting teammates for layups that got the crowd roaring.
Phoenix weathered the storm thanks to Kevin Durant’s brilliance. He scored from everywhere on the floor. His length bothered the Rockets defenders who tried guarding him. Even when Houston played good defense, Durant still found ways to put the ball in the basket. When you check the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats at halftime, the numbers told an interesting story. Both teams had balanced scoring. No single player dominated completely, which showed the depth on both rosters. Halftime arrived with everything still to play for.
Third Quarter Star Performances
The third quarter often decides basketball games, and this one was no exception. Both teams came out of the locker room focused and ready to make a statement. The intensity level went up another notch. Devin Booker continued his excellent shooting night. He moved without the ball beautifully, curling off screens and catching passes in rhythm. His quick release made it almost impossible for the Rockets to contest his shots properly. Every time Houston made a run, Booker had an answer.
For the Rockets, Jabari Smith Jr. had his best stretch of the game. He knocked down corner threes that kept the defense honest. His length also bothered the Suns on the defensive end. He blocked shots and altered others, making Phoenix think twice before driving. The Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats from the third quarter show how important role players become in big moments. Guys like Grayson Allen hit timely shots. Amen Thompson used his athleticism to grab offensive rebounds and create second chances.
Fourth Quarter Clutch Moments
When the game got tight in the fourth quarter, the stars came out to play. This is when legends separate themselves from good players. The final twelve minutes brought drama and excitement from start to finish. Kevin Durant showed why he ranks among the greatest scorers ever. He hit tough shot after tough shot with defenders right in his face. His ability to rise over anyone and knock down jumpers seemed almost unfair. Every time the Rockets thought they had him stopped, he proved them wrong.
But the young Rockets refused to back down. Jalen Green matched Durant shot for shot down the stretch. He attacked the basket with reckless abandon, drawing fouls and finishing through contact. His fearlessness impressed everyone watching. Looking closely at the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats from the final period, free throws made a huge difference. Both teams found themselves in the bonus early. Making foul shots under pressure separated the winners from the losers.
Top Scorers & Rebound Leaders
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Booker | Suns | 38 | 5 | 7 |
| Jalen Green | Rockets | 34 | 4 | 5 |
| Kevin Durant | Suns | 29 | 9 | 4 |
| Alperen Sengun | Rockets | 18 | 14 | 6 |
| Fred VanVleet | Rockets | 16 | 3 | 10 |
Rebounding & Second Chance Points
Rebounding often determines who wins close games. The team that controls the glass usually controls the game. This matchup featured intense battles under both baskets. Alperen Sengun grabbed important rebounds for the Rockets throughout the night. His positioning and strength allowed him to box out bigger players. When he pulled down boards, he immediately looked up court to start the break. His outlet passes sparked fast break points. For the Suns, Jusuf Nurkic used his massive frame to carve out space. He grabbed rebounds in traffic and kept possessions alive.
When you study the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats for rebounding, you notice team totals matter most. Both squads crashed the boards with all five players. Guards helped their big men by boxing out on the perimeter. Second chance points told an interesting story. Teams that grabbed offensive rebounds usually scored on those extra possessions. Converting these opportunities required focus and execution. The rebounding battle swung back and forth throughout the game.
Assists & Ball Movement
Beautiful basketball involves sharing the ball and finding the open man. This game featured plenty of unselfish play from both sides. Assists numbers reflect how well teams moved the basketball. Chris Paul orchestrated the Suns offense like a maestro. Even though he is not the same player he once was, his basketball IQ remains elite. He found teammates in their spots and delivered passes on time and on target. His leadership showed in every possession. The young Rockets also moved the ball well. Their pace forced the Suns to scramble defensively. When they swung the ball from side to side, open shots appeared.
Looking at the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats for assists reveals which lineups played best together. Some groups shared the ball beautifully while others got stuck in isolation plays. Assist-to-turnover ratios matter even more than raw assist numbers. Players who create for others without giving the ball away help their teams win. Careless passes lead to easy baskets the other way.
Defensive Standouts & Steals
Defense wins championships, and both teams showed why on this night. Individual defensive efforts changed the game’s outcome in subtle ways that stats capture imperfectly. Dillon Brooks brought his usual physical defense against the Suns stars. He made every catch difficult and every shot contested. His reputation as a tough defender precedes him, and he lived up to it in this matchup. Even when opponents scored on him, they worked for every point. For Phoenix, Josh Okogie provided energy off the bench that disrupted Houston’s rhythm. His quick hands deflected passes and created transition opportunities. The Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats for defensive categories show more than just steals and blocks.
Bench Production & Role Players
Deep teams survive the long NBA season. Starters cannot play 48 minutes every night without wearing down. Bench production often decides games when both teams have similar talent. The Suns bench provided steady minutes that kept the starters fresh. Players like Eric Gordon gave quality minutes on both ends. His experience showed in how he handled pressure situations without panicking. Houston’s young bench brought energy that changed the game’s pace. Amen Thompson attacked the rim every time he touched the ball. His athleticism created problems for the Suns second unit that struggled to contain him. When you examine the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats for bench players, you notice plus-minus ratings tell an interesting story.
Turnovers & Fast Break Points
Taking care of the basketball separates good teams from great ones. Turnovers lead to easy baskets the other way. In a close game, giving away possessions usually means giving away victories. The Suns did a better job protecting the ball for most of the game. Their veteran guards made safe passes and avoided risky plays. When they needed to be careful, they were. Houston’s young players occasionally forced passes that weren’t there. These mistakes led to Suns fast breaks and easy scores. Studying the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats for turnovers shows which players struggled with ball security.
Free Throw & Three‑Point Shooting
Making free throws seems simple until the game depends on them. Players practice these shots thousands of times, but pressure changes everything. This game featured plenty of trips to the charity stripe. Both teams shot free throws well for most of the night. Making these uncontested shots kept the score close and the pressure high. Missed free throws late would have changed everything. Foul trouble also impacted rotations throughout the game. Modern basketball revolves around the three-point shot. Teams that shoot well from deep usually win more games. This game featured plenty of long-range attempts from both sides. The Suns spaced the floor beautifully with shooters everywhere. When their stars drove, kick-out passes found open gunners. Knocking down those shots made the defense pay for helping too much.
Head‑to‑Head Matchups
Individual battles within the game often decide the final outcome. Players compete directly against their counterparts, and winning these matchups helps the whole team. The Devin Booker versus Jalen Green matchup fascinated fans watching at home and in the arena. Both scorers wanted to prove they belonged in the conversation with elite shooting guards. They traded baskets all night long. Kevin Durant guarded by various Rockets defenders became a chess match. Longer players like Jabari Smith bothered him more than smaller guards. Durant still scored, but he worked harder against length. When you review the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats for head to head battles, you see who won their individual fights. Some players dominated their matchups while others struggled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Breaking down the Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats gives us a complete picture of what happened on the court. Numbers tell stories that watching alone sometimes misses. Scoring leaders, rebounders, and playmakers all contributed to a fantastic basketball game. Both teams showed why they compete at high levels in the Western Conference. The Suns relied on veteran savvy and star power. The Rockets countered with youth, energy, and fearlessness. These different approaches created an entertaining contrast that fans appreciated. When you check future matchups between these teams, remember the stats from this game. They provide context for what might happen next time. Players remember individual battles and team results.
Thank you for reading this complete breakdown. Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Which player impressed you most in this game? Did any stats surprise you? Basketball conversations bring fans together, so let us know what you think.