In a game where Kevin Durant achieved a milestone and Bol Bol shined with a season-best performance, the Phoenix Suns (33-24) suffered a 114-110 defeat at the hands of the Houston Rockets (25-31) on Friday.
This loss marks the Suns’ second consecutive defeat since returning from the All-Star break, playing their third game without Bradley Beal due to a hamstring injury.
Durant led the scoring with 28 points, surpassing Carmelo Anthony to claim the ninth spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. He also contributed 11 rebounds and eight assists.
Filling in for the injured Jusuf Nurkic, Bol Bol delivered an outstanding performance off the bench with 25 points, 14 rebounds, one steal, and one block in just 26 minutes. Devin Booker matched Bol’s 25 points in the losing effort.
For Houston, Fred VanVleet led the way with 23 points and five assists, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 22 points and grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds.
The Suns will look to bounce back as they face the Los Angeles Lakers at home on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Heading into the fourth quarter, Phoenix trails Houston 89-76.
Despite a strong start, the Suns struggled defensively and offensively, allowing Houston to maintain a double-digit lead for most of the game.
At the end of the third quarter, Phoenix had made only 4-of-22 three-point attempts compared to Houston’s 13-of-35.
Devin Booker and Fred VanVleet led all scorers with 23 points each, while Bol Bol recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Houston went on a 24-6 run to take a 57-52 lead over Phoenix going into halftime.
Phoenix had a 13-point lead in the second quarter, but the Rockets closed the gap with a strong finish before halftime.
Phoenix struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 3-of-17, while Allen made all three of his three-point attempts.
Booker and Durant led the Suns in scoring with 15 and 11 points, respectively, while Bol Bol contributed with eight points, seven rebounds, and a steal off the bench.
For the Rockets, VanVleet scored 17 points and Jalen Green added 11 points, with VanVleet making five three-pointers.
The Suns took an early 16-point lead in the first quarter and finished with a 28-20 advantage.
However, the Rockets fought back to cut the lead to six by the end of the first quarter.
Devin Booker led all scorers with nine points but struggled with his shooting efficiency early on.
Phoenix will start Eric Gordon in place of Bradley Beal, alongside Booker, Allen, Durant, and Eubanks in place of the injured Nurkic.
Houston’s starting lineup features Green, VanVleet, Brooks, Smith Jr., and Sengun.
Both Beal and Nurkic are doubtful for the game against the Rockets due to injury.
Additionally, the Suns’ Thaddeus Young is set to make his debut after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets.
Houston is at full strength with no reported injuries.
Beal, Nurkic doubtful against Rockets
Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic are listed as doubtful for Friday’s game due to hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively.
Nurkic has been a key player for the Suns this season, only missing his fourth game due to injury.
Damion Lee remains out with a meniscus injury.
Durant’s encounter with fan in Dallas
Kevin Durant was involved in an incident with a fan in Dallas, as reported by Duane Rankin.
Durant responded to derogatory remarks from a fan but chose not to have them removed from the arena.
For more details on the incident, click the link below.
More: ‘Real human beings, too’: Suns’ Kevin Durant didn’t have fan kicked out game for pregame insult