Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats
Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats from the April 2026 meeting tell a much more interesting story than the final score alone. Houston defeated Phoenix 119-105 after falling behind by as many as 21 points, turning an explosive first quarter by the Suns into a fourth-quarter collapse. The Rockets finished with 55 rebounds, 26 assists and 14 made three-pointers, while Phoenix relied heavily on Devin Booker and free throws but struggled badly from three-point range.
The game is particularly useful for anyone studying individual player production because several performances went beyond simple scoring totals. Kevin Durant led Houston with 24 points, Alperen Sengun controlled the glass with 14 rebounds, and Amen Thompson produced 22 points and 8 assists. For Phoenix, Devin Booker posted 31 points and 8 assists, while Mark Williams added 19 points and 8 rebounds.
The official NBA box score lists Houston’s shooting at 45-for-100 from the field and Phoenix at 32-for-75. Houston also won the offensive rebounding battle decisively, which became one of the clearest reasons the Rockets were able to recover from their poor opening quarter. (NBA.com)
Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats
The final numbers show two teams that reached 105 and 119 points through very different methods.
| Category | Houston Rockets | Phoenix Suns |
| Final Score | 119 | 105 |
| Field Goals | 45-100 | 32-75 |
| Field Goal % | 45.0% | 42.7% |
| Three-Pointers | 14-38 | 7-31 |
| Three-Point % | 36.8% | 22.6% |
| Free Throws | 15-16 | 34-39 |
| Free Throw % | 93.8% | 87.2% |
| Rebounds | 55 | 34 |
| Assists | 26 | 15 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 18 |
| Steals | 8 | 10 |
| Blocks | 3 | 7 |
One of the biggest statistical clues is the difference in shot volume. Houston attempted 25 more field goals than Phoenix. That does not happen by accident. Houston created additional possessions through offensive rebounds and forced Phoenix to defend second and third opportunities.
Phoenix actually had the better free throw volume by a wide margin, attempting 39 compared with Houston’s 16. Yet that advantage could not compensate for the 14-7 difference in made three-pointers and the 55-34 rebounding gap. (NBA.com)
How the Game Changed Quarter by Quarter
The scoreboard tells the story of a dramatic momentum swing.
First Quarter: Phoenix Takes Control
Phoenix opened the game with 37 points while Houston managed only 21.
That 16-point difference gave the Suns immediate control, and the advantage eventually reached 21 points. Devin Booker was aggressive from the beginning, while Phoenix’s perimeter offense created early separation.
Houston’s first-quarter problem was not simply missed shots. The Rockets were also allowing Phoenix to dictate the tempo.
Second Quarter: Houston Starts the Recovery
The second quarter completely changed the direction of the game.
Houston scored 33 points and held Phoenix to 20. The Rockets began creating more possessions through offensive rebounds and improved their three-point production.
Instead of trying to erase the deficit with rushed isolation possessions, Houston gradually increased its physical pressure around the basket and on the glass.
By halftime, the Suns’ comfortable opening advantage had been significantly reduced.
Third Quarter: Neither Team Separates
Both teams scored 27 points in the third quarter.
That made the fourth quarter especially important because Phoenix entered the final period with an 84-81 advantage.
At that stage, the game was no longer about Houston simply recovering from a slow start. It had become a one-possession contest heading into the final 12 minutes.
Fourth Quarter: Houston Finishes Strong
The fourth quarter belonged entirely to Houston.
The Rockets scored 38 points while Phoenix scored only 21.
According to Phoenix’s official game notes, Houston shot 15-for-23 from the field in the fourth quarter, good for 65.2 percent, while also collecting 12 rebounds. The Rockets’ second-chance scoring advantage was especially significant, as Houston finished with 37 second-chance points compared with 17 for Phoenix. (NBA.com)
That is the statistical explanation for the final result.
Houston did not merely shoot better late. The Rockets generated extra opportunities and converted them at a very high rate.
Kevin Durant’s 24-Point Performance
Kevin Durant finished with 24 points in his return to Phoenix.
His scoring line was:
- 24 points
- 8-for-20 field goals
- 5-for-9 from three-point range
- 3-for-3 free throws
- 4 rebounds
- 3 assists
- 2 turnovers
- 35:41 minutes
Durant’s 40 percent field-goal shooting was not his most efficient scoring performance, but his five made three-pointers were important because Phoenix could not match Houston’s perimeter production.
His 5-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc represented a major part of his offensive value. Phoenix had to respect his range, which helped create additional space for Houston’s other scorers and cutters.
The context also mattered. Durant returned to Phoenix as a member of the Rockets, and the game carried an obvious personal storyline. The AP recap reported that he received a mixture of boos and cheers from Suns fans during introductions. (ESPN)
For statistical analysis, however, the more important point is that Durant did not need to dominate every offensive possession for Houston to win. His shooting threat worked within a broader team attack.
Alperen Sengun Controls the Rebounding Battle
Alperen Sengun was Houston’s leading rebounder with 14 boards.
That number becomes more meaningful when placed beside Phoenix’s team total of 34 rebounds.
Houston finished with 55 rebounds overall, giving the Rockets a 21-rebound advantage.
The offensive rebounding component was even more important. Houston collected 24 offensive rebounds, which helped produce 37 second-chance points. Phoenix’s game notes identified those 24 offensive rebounds as Houston’s second-highest total of the season at that point. (NBA.com)
This is a good example of why box-score analysis should go beyond points.
A player can score 20 or 30 points and still have less influence on possession volume than a teammate who repeatedly creates extra chances.
Sengun’s rebounding helped Houston remain competitive after the first quarter and then turn its late offensive efficiency into a decisive advantage.
Amen Thompson’s All-Around Impact
Amen Thompson finished with 22 points and 8 assists.
His final line included:
- 22 points
- 8 assists
- 20 field-goal attempts
- 7-for-9 free throws
- 6 rebounds
- 2 steals
- 1 block
- 3 turnovers
Thompson’s eight assists were tied with Booker for the game high.
His role was important because Houston needed another creator alongside Durant. When Phoenix focused attention on Durant or tried to slow the Rockets’ half-court attack, Thompson could create offense through drives, cuts and passing.
His 22 points also gave Houston another reliable scoring source.
That balance is visible in the final box score. Houston had multiple players in double figures rather than relying on one dominant scorer. The official recap noted that all five Houston starters scored in double figures. (ESPN)
Jabari Smith Jr. Provides Spacing and Scoring
Jabari Smith Jr. scored 20 points.
He shot:
- 6-for-18 from the field
- 5-for-13 from three
- 3-for-3 from the free throw line
His overall field-goal percentage was only 33.3 percent, but the five made three-pointers were highly valuable.
Smith’s shooting forced Phoenix to defend Houston’s spacing beyond the arc. That matters because a team does not need every player to shoot efficiently from every area if the overall offensive structure creates enough high-value opportunities.
Smith also finished with six rebounds and one block.
His 20 points gave Houston a third major scoring option alongside Durant and Thompson.
Tari Eason’s Bench Contribution
Tari Eason produced one of Houston’s most efficient performances from the bench.
He recorded:
- 12 points
- 7 rebounds
- 3 steals
- 2 assists
- 5-for-7 field goals
- 2-for-2 free throws
- 31:04 minutes
Eason shot 71.4 percent from the field.
His three steals were also important because Houston needed defensive activity after allowing Phoenix to score 37 points in the opening period.
His contribution demonstrates why bench statistics matter in a game where the starters receive most of the attention.
Eason did not need 20 shots to affect the game. He scored efficiently, rebounded, defended and helped Houston maintain pressure.
Aaron Holiday’s Efficient Scoring
Aaron Holiday added 12 points in 21:20.
He shot 4-for-6 from the field, 2-for-4 from three and 2-for-2 from the free throw line.
His 66.7 percent field-goal shooting gave Houston another efficient scoring option.
The bench contribution was particularly useful because the Rockets were attempting to recover from a major early deficit. Every efficient possession helped reduce the number of possessions Houston needed to make up ground.
Devin Booker Leads Phoenix With 31 Points
Devin Booker was the clear scoring leader for Phoenix.
He finished with:
- 31 points
- 7-for-16 field goals
- 2-for-6 three-pointers
- 15-for-16 free throws
- 4 rebounds
- 8 assists
- 3 turnovers
Booker’s 31 points were the highest individual scoring total in the game.
He also tied Thompson for the game-high eight assists.
Booker’s free throw shooting was a major component of his production. He made 15 of 16 attempts, generating 15 points from the line alone.
He scored 21 points in the first half, according to Phoenix’s official notes. That early production helped Phoenix build its large opening advantage. (NBA.com)
The challenge for Phoenix was sustaining that offensive efficiency after halftime.
Booker remained productive, but the Suns’ overall offense could not keep pace with Houston’s fourth-quarter surge.
Mark Williams Provides Interior Production
Mark Williams finished with 19 points and 8 rebounds.
He shot 8-for-12 from the field and was effective around the basket.
Williams also recorded three steals, making his defensive contribution more significant than his scoring line alone suggests.
His eight rebounds tied him with the team’s stated high for the game.
However, Phoenix’s 34 total rebounds were still well below Houston’s 55.
That difference limited the Suns’ ability to control possession volume.
Jalen Green’s 15 Points
Jalen Green scored 15 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
He did not make a three-pointer, going 0-for-4 from outside, but he contributed five field goals and made five of seven free throws.
The bigger issue was efficiency.
Against a Houston team that ultimately made 14 three-pointers, Phoenix needed more perimeter production from multiple players.
Green’s scoring was useful, but the Suns needed more efficient offensive output around Booker.
Jordan Goodwin’s 11 Points
Jordan Goodwin scored 11 points and shot 4-for-7 from the field.
He made 3-of-6 attempts from three-point range and added four rebounds and two assists.
Goodwin’s three made threes were among Phoenix’s most important perimeter contributions.
The problem was that Phoenix finished with only seven made threes as a team.
Goodwin’s production therefore stood out, but it was not enough to offset Houston’s collective shooting from deep.
Grayson Allen’s Bench Numbers
Grayson Allen finished with eight points, four rebounds and two assists.
He went 1-for-4 from the field and 6-for-6 at the free throw line.
His four rebounds were useful, but his perimeter shooting was limited to 0-for-2 from three.
Phoenix needed more scoring efficiency from its supporting cast after Houston began controlling the game.
Houston’s Rebounding Advantage Was the Central Statistical Difference
If one statistic best explains the result, it is the rebounding margin.
Houston:
55 rebounds
Phoenix:
34 rebounds
Difference:
21 rebounds
That is an enormous possession advantage.
The Rockets also collected 24 offensive rebounds.
Those extra possessions led directly to second-chance opportunities, and Houston scored 37 second-chance points.
Phoenix scored only 17.
That 20-point difference in second-chance scoring nearly equals the final 14-point margin.
This is one of the strongest lessons from the game.
When evaluating match player stats, it is tempting to focus immediately on the highest scorer. But the possession battle can tell you why a team was able to overcome a poor start.
Houston did not win because Durant simply outscored Booker.
Booker actually scored seven more points than Durant.
Houston won because the Rockets created more opportunities across the entire game.
Three-Point Shooting Also Favored Houston
Houston made 14 of 38 three-point attempts.
Phoenix made 7 of 31.
That produced a difference of 21 points from made three-pointers.
Houston’s 36.8 percent accuracy from three was solid.
Phoenix’s 22.6 percent accuracy was much weaker.
This became especially damaging because the Suns were heavily dependent on free throws.
Phoenix attempted 39 free throws and made 34.
Houston attempted only 16 and made 15.
So Phoenix had a major free-throw advantage.
Yet Houston still won comfortably because it compensated with three-point shooting, rebounding and additional possessions.
This is a useful reminder that one favorable category rarely determines a basketball game by itself.
Houston’s Assist Advantage Shows Better Distribution
Houston recorded 26 assists.
Phoenix recorded 15.
The 11-assist difference suggests that Houston’s offense produced more shared creation.
Amen Thompson and Devin Booker both recorded eight assists, meaning the two leading playmakers were equally productive in that specific category.
The difference came from the rest of the teams.
Houston received more secondary creation from its supporting players, while Phoenix’s offense was more concentrated around its primary creators.
That distinction becomes especially important during a comeback.
A team trying to erase a large deficit needs multiple ways to generate offense. Houston had Durant’s shooting, Thompson’s playmaking, Sengun’s interior presence, Smith’s perimeter shooting and Eason’s bench energy.
Turnovers Were Surprisingly Close
Houston committed 17 turnovers.
Phoenix committed 18.
The one-turnover difference was not large enough to explain the result.
Phoenix actually recorded more steals, 10 compared with Houston’s 8.
Phoenix also recorded seven blocks compared with Houston’s three.
So the defensive playmaking statistics favored Phoenix in several areas.
But those advantages did not overcome Houston’s rebounding and shooting advantages.
This is another reason to avoid relying on one box-score category.
A complete analysis considers possession creation, efficiency, shot profile and player roles together.
The Comeback From a 21-Point Deficit
One of the most notable parts of the game was Houston’s recovery from an early 21-point deficit.
The Rockets did not erase the gap in one sudden burst.
Instead, they reduced it through multiple phases.
First, Houston won the second quarter 33-20.
Then the Rockets matched Phoenix 27-27 in the third.
Finally, Houston exploded for 38 points in the fourth while Phoenix managed only 21.
That sequence matters because it shows how a comeback can develop without requiring an immediate reversal.
Houston first stabilized the game.
Then it reached the fourth quarter within three points.
Then it dominated the closing period.
The official NBA game notes also reported that Phoenix had a 24-0 run early in the game, its largest run in the play-by-play era. (NBA.com)
The Rockets’ ability to survive that run and still win by 14 points makes the final margin more impressive from a game-flow perspective.
What the Player Stats Say About Houston’s Offense
Houston’s offensive profile was balanced.
The Rockets received:
- 24 points from Durant
- 22 from Thompson
- 20 from Smith
- 12 from Eason
- 12 from Holiday
- Additional production from other rotation players
The key point is that the scoring was not concentrated in one player.
Houston also moved the ball effectively enough to finish with 26 assists.
The Rockets’ 14 made three-pointers created additional spacing, while their offensive rebounding produced extra possessions.
That combination gave Phoenix several problems at once.
- If Phoenix closed out aggressively on shooters, Houston could attack the glass.
- If Phoenix focused on Durant, Thompson could create.
- If Phoenix protected the paint, Houston could use perimeter shooting.
That variety helped Houston improve as the game progressed.
What the Player Stats Say About Phoenix’s Offense
Phoenix’s offensive structure was more dependent on its leading players.
Booker produced 31 points and 8 assists.
Williams added 19 points.
Green scored 15.
Goodwin scored 11.
Allen added eight.
The Suns did enough to score 37 points in the first quarter, but the offense became less efficient as the game moved on.
The biggest problem was three-point shooting.
Seven made threes on 31 attempts is difficult to overcome against a team that makes 14.
Phoenix also struggled to create additional possessions because Houston controlled the glass so strongly.
The Suns’ 34 rebounds were 21 fewer than Houston’s total.
Season Series: Houston Went 4-0 Against Phoenix
The 119-105 victory completed a 4-0 season-series sweep for Houston.
The four results were:
- Houston 114, Phoenix 92 on November 25
- Houston 117, Phoenix 98 on December 6
- Houston 100, Phoenix 97 on January 6
- Houston 119, Phoenix 105 in the April meeting
The fourth game was the highest-scoring Houston performance of the series.
The first three games also show a consistent pattern: Houston repeatedly found ways to control the matchup.
The January meeting was particularly close, with Houston winning 100-97.
The April game was much more dramatic because Phoenix built a large early lead before Houston responded.
Houston’s Defensive Adjustments
The final score may suggest an offensive game, but Houston’s second-half defense was also important.
Phoenix scored 37 points in the first quarter.
The Suns then scored:
20 in the second
27 in the third
21 in the fourth
Houston’s defense therefore reduced Phoenix’s scoring output substantially after the opening period.
The fourth quarter was especially important.
Holding a team to 21 points while scoring 38 created a 17-point swing in the final period alone.
Houston also recorded eight steals and three blocks.
Those numbers were not spectacular individually, but combined with the rebounding advantage they helped create a more complete defensive performance.
Why Free Throws Did Not Decide the Game
Phoenix attempted 39 free throws.
Houston attempted 16.
That is a 23-attempt difference.
Phoenix made 34 free throws compared with Houston’s 15.
In many games, that kind of advantage can be enough to determine the result.
Here it was not.
Houston gained enough value elsewhere to overcome the deficit.
The Rockets made seven more three-pointers than Phoenix, which produced a 21-point difference in three-point scoring.
Houston also grabbed 21 more rebounds and produced 20 more second-chance points.
Those factors explain why Phoenix’s free-throw advantage did not translate into a victory.
Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats: Key Takeaways
The most important player-stat lessons from this matchup are straightforward.
1. Durant was Houston’s top scorer, but not its only offensive engine
His 24 points led the Rockets, but Thompson, Smith, Eason and Holiday all provided meaningful production.
2. Sengun’s 14 rebounds mattered enormously
His rebounding was part of a team-wide effort that produced 55 total rebounds.
3. Thompson combined scoring and playmaking
His 22 points and 8 assists gave Houston another major offensive creator.
4. Booker was Phoenix’s standout scorer
His 31 points and 8 assists kept Phoenix competitive, particularly early.
5. Houston dominated possession-related statistics
The Rockets had 55 rebounds compared with 34 for Phoenix and 26 assists compared with 15.
6. Three-point shooting created a major separation
Houston made 14 threes while Phoenix made seven.
7. Phoenix’s free-throw advantage was not enough
The Suns made 34 free throws compared with Houston’s 15, but Houston compensated through shooting and rebounding.
Where to Find the Official Box Score
For readers who want to verify individual minutes, shooting percentages, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and turnovers, the official NBA game page provides the complete box score and play-by-play information. Official NBA box score and game data
The official record is particularly useful when comparing player lines because it provides the underlying field-goal attempts and minutes rather than only headline scoring totals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the most points in the Rockets vs Suns game?
Devin Booker scored 31 points for Phoenix, the highest individual total in the game. Kevin Durant led Houston with 24 points.
Who led Houston in rebounds?
Alperen Sengun led Houston with 14 rebounds.
Who led the game in assists?
Amen Thompson and Devin Booker each recorded 8 assists.
What was the final score between Houston and Phoenix?
Houston defeated Phoenix 119-105.
Which team shot better from three-point range?
Houston shot 36.8 percent from three-point range, making 14 of 38 attempts. Phoenix shot 22.6 percent, making seven of 31.
Why did Houston win despite Phoenix’s free-throw advantage?
Houston created more possessions through rebounding, especially offensive rebounds, and made seven more three-pointers. The Rockets also produced 37 second-chance points compared with 17 for Phoenix.
Conclusion
The Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns match player stats show how a basketball game can be decided by much more than the highest individual scoring total.
Devin Booker led all scorers with 31 points, while Kevin Durant led Houston with 24. Yet the defining numbers were Houston’s 55 rebounds, 26 assists, 14 three-pointers and 37 second-chance points.
Alperen Sengun’s 14 rebounds helped Houston control the glass. Amen Thompson added 22 points and 8 assists, giving the Rockets another major offensive creator. Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 20 points and five made threes, while Tari Eason supplied efficient scoring, seven rebounds and three steals from the bench.
For Phoenix, Booker remained highly productive with 31 points and 8 assists, while Mark Williams added 19 points and 8 rebounds. However, Phoenix’s 7-for-31 three-point shooting and 34 total rebounds made it difficult to sustain the early advantage.
The quarter-by-quarter progression provides the clearest summary. Phoenix won the first quarter 37-21. Houston answered by winning the second 33-20, tied the third 27-27, and then dominated the fourth 38-21.
The result was a 119-105 Houston victory and a 4-0 season-series sweep.
From a statistical perspective, the biggest lesson is possession value. Houston did not need Durant to outscore Booker. Instead, the Rockets created more opportunities, attacked the offensive glass, moved the ball effectively and converted efficiently when the game reached its decisive stage.
That combination explains why the final 14-point margin looked very different from the 21-point deficit Houston faced earlier in the contest.