Photo: Getty Images

By Rafael Bandayrel

Kevin Durant delivered the decisive blow in the closing seconds as the Houston Rockets edged the Phoenix Suns, 100-97, on Tuesday (PH time) at Toyota Center in their 2025-26 NBA regular season meeting.

The contest stayed tight throughout, with neither side able to create a clear separation. Houston briefly seized control midway through the fourth quarter with a seven-point cushion, but Phoenix responded and reclaimed a 95-94 lead with 2:24 remaining.

As the Suns threatened to pull away, Amen Thompson attacked the lane and converted an and-one to knot the score at 97.

Coming off a recent game-winner against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Devin Booker looked to deliver again, but his potential go-ahead attempt came up short.

With 5.1 seconds on the clock, the ball found Durant, who drilled a clutch three-pointer to put Houston ahead for good. Booker had one last chance with 1.1 seconds left, but Josh Okogie intercepted the inbounds pass to seal the Rockets’ victory.

Durant finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds to lead Houston against his former team. The Rockets improved to 22-11 and will head to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Thursday.

—JMS, Alta Sports