A thrilling NBA encounter between the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns on January 5, 2026, left fans on the edge of their seats. The game, a nail-biter from start to finish, ended with a dramatic finish and a controversial call.
Kevin Durant, the star player who recently joined the Rockets from the Suns in a blockbuster trade, was the hero of the night. With just 1.1 seconds left on the clock, Durant drained a 27-footer three-pointer, giving the Rockets a 100-97 victory over his former team.
But here's where it gets controversial: the Suns had a chance to take the lead before Durant's game-winning shot. Devin Booker, the Suns' star guard, attempted a three-pointer, but it bounced off the rim. Phoenix managed to grab the rebound, but the shot clock expired, leaving Houston with the ball and a chance to seal the deal.
And this is the part most people miss: the Rockets' win was a team effort. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. both contributed 17 points each, while Alperen Sengun, the team's big man, sat out due to a sprained ankle. Despite Sengun's absence, the Rockets managed to secure their fifth win in six games.
The Suns, however, put up a tough fight. Booker led the way with 27 points, and Dillon Brooks added 15. But their two-game winning streak came to an end as the Rockets' late-game heroics proved too much to overcome.
The game wasn't without its technical glitches either. In the second quarter, a malfunction of the clocks and scoreboard caused a brief delay. Play resumed without the clocks working, and the public address announcer had to keep everyone informed of the time. Fortunately, the issues were resolved by the start of the third quarter.
As for the future, the Suns will look to bounce back when they visit Memphis on Wednesday. The Rockets, on the other hand, have a tough doubleheader against Portland on Wednesday and Friday.
So, what do you think? Was Durant's game-winning shot a sign of his brilliance, or did the Suns' defense let them down? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this thrilling NBA encounter.
