Kevin Durant Hits 31,000, Rockets Take Revenge Over Suns

Kevin Durant made history while leading the Houston Rockets to a 117-98 win over his former team, the Phoenix Suns in a true "revenge game." Durant poured in 28 points on 65% shooting with four rebounds, eight assists and three steals, becoming the eighth player to reach the 31,000-point milestone in regular-season play. Phoenix was without Devin Booker (right groin strain; re-evaluated Dec. 10), and Dillon Brooks paced the Suns with 23. Merlin sees more than a milestone — he sees a team finding identity. Houston (15-5) combined Durant’s steady scoring with strong defense (Phoenix managed just 14 third-quarter points) and contributions from Amen Thompson. That balance makes the Rockets dangerous, but tomorrow’s second night of a back-to-back in Dallas will reveal if this is lasting momentum or a bright moment.