HOUSTON — On night two of back-to-back — and the second game of a season-long homestand of seven straight contests at Toyota Center — the Rockets (15-14) were no match for the star-studded Phoenix Suns (15-14) in Wednesday’s 129-113 loss (box score).
On this night, Kevin Durant was often a facilitator with 16 assists, and former Rockets guard Eric Gordon (who spent nearly seven seasons with the team) was among the chief beneficiaries. Making his first return visit as a player since being traded last February, Gordon received a tribute video from the Rockets in the opening minutes before quickly showing his old team what they no longer have.
Gordon scored 21 points in the first half alone, shooting a blistering 8-of-11 from the field (72.5%) and 5-of-8 on 3-pointers (62.5%). That stunning turn-back-the-clock performance by the 35-year-old allowed Phoenix to play from in front, and they coasted to a win. Gordon finished with a season-high 27 points and seven made treys.
Durant had 27 points (56.3% FG) and 10 rebounds to go with those 16 assists, which tied a career high for the future Hall of Famer. Devin Booker, also a frequent All-Star, added 20 points and 7 assists.
Houston’s defense was lethargic, and the absence of veteran wing Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain, return timetable not yet known) was clearly felt. So, too, was the absence of Jabari Smith Jr., who left early due to a left ankle sprain (return timetable also unknown).
Yet, even in defeat, there was a bright spot in Jalen Green. The third-year guard entered shooting a woeful 33.6% overall and 25.4% on 3-pointers in December — but on this night, Green scored 23 points in 26 minutes while making 6-of-12 on 3-pointers (50.0%).
Big man Alperen Sengun finished with a team-high 24 points in 29 minutes, shooting 9-of-18 overall (50.0%) and 5-of-6 on free throws (83.3%). With injuries mounting, rookie wing Cam Whitmore took advantage of his first NBA rotation minutes and scored 12 points in 18 minutes, shooting 3-of-4 from 3-point range (75.0%).
Here’s our look at Wednesday’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. As the homestand continues, next up for Houston is a matchup versus the Philadelphia 76ers (20-9) on Friday night. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. Central.
Dec. 27 Rockets-Suns reaction
Touching tribute video by the @HoustonRockets for Eric Gordon (@TheofficialEG10). Fans clearly showed their appreciation, including Tilman and Patrick Fertitta, who stood and applauded at midcourt pic.twitter.com/emHQJiS9Kp
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 28, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr. is OUT for the remainder of the game with a left ankle sprain, per Rockets.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) December 28, 2023
Cam Whitmore is earning himself some real minutes here, especially if Jabari is going to miss some time.
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) December 28, 2023
Even in Tari Eason's worst games, he finds a way to string together some big time plays to impact winning.
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) December 28, 2023
1. Dillon is HOU’s 3rd best offensive player & best defender. Missing him hurts
2. Please play Bullock over Tate. Shooting is needed
3. Jalen is making tough shots from deep but it’s all happening while Houston is down big. Feels familiar
4. Amen Thompson has a long way to go
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) December 28, 2023
The #Rockets have a 3P-shooting problem. Need to find a way to get minutes for Cam Whitmore and Reggie Bullock and spacing will start to look a lot better.
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) December 28, 2023
Ime Udoka says no update yet on Jabari Smith Jr.'s injury.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) December 28, 2023
Unless I missed it, I don't believe Rafael Stone or a Fertitta ever left their seats to check out the Jabari ankle injury. That's usually an indicator that it's not viewed as too concerning, but we'll see
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 28, 2023
I was hoping to get some more data points on Amen and Cam and instead we got a lifetime’s worth of Aaron Holiday.
— RedNinetyFour (@RedNinetyFour) December 28, 2023
Tari Eason has a career high FIVE steals tonight! #Rockets
— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) December 28, 2023
Landale looking the most spry he’s been all season. Encouraging sign for him.
— David Weiner #🟦 (@BimaThug) December 28, 2023
Cam made more threes tonight than the starters did all game last night, this is a major problem and it's being now compounded by the terrible defense which at one point was the best at defending the 3, not anymore
— Abel (@AbelGe87) December 28, 2023
Sengun and Boban waited for Eric Gordon to be done with his Suns TV postgame interview so they could say hello and exchange hugs.
— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) December 28, 2023
Eric Gordon with more highlights in the first half than in the tribute video that could pick through the best of seven seasons. He is up to 21 points in his 20 minutes.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 28, 2023
21 points, 0 assists. The Eric Gordon experience. https://t.co/NkBLIvyt72
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) December 28, 2023
I'd imagine Rockets fans are ecstatic seeing both Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore getting early minutes tonight. Important for their development, especially in non-garbage time.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) December 28, 2023
I love what I’m seeing from Cam Whitmore today. With Jabari probably out for a little bit, I’d increase his role.
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) December 28, 2023
Asked Eric Gordon about his Houston return tonight:
"Houston will always be home. This is a special place to me. I wish we would have won a championship here."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) December 28, 2023
all love @TheofficialEG10 🫶 pic.twitter.com/XDBB6xhCN7
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 28, 2023
Season-high 27 PTS for EG tonight! pic.twitter.com/V1jQqEpvej
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 28, 2023
KD dropped his 1st TRIPLE-DOUBLE of the season in the Suns' win against the Rockets 🏜️
27 PTS
16 AST
10 REB pic.twitter.com/w9W1Lo1zJs— NBA (@NBA) December 28, 2023
#Rockets coach Ime Udoka on playing without Dillon Brooks. pic.twitter.com/RfeuiZ5dzu
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) December 28, 2023
Eric Gordon on Jalen Green: “In the past, he's always been that No. 1 option for years early on and I think now he's playing in a role where everybody's trying to get going. …He's just got to figure out his ways to fit in, but he'll be just fine. He's still a real good talent."
— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) December 28, 2023
#Rockets Jalen Green tonight vs PHX
23 PTS / 6 3-PT / 5 REB / 3 AST@HoustonRockets on Space City Home Network pic.twitter.com/d9iPhRLvjA— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) December 28, 2023