Rockets Fall to Suns Amid Eric Gordon's Return to Houston

The Houston Rockets had no answer for their former two-guard Eric Gordon amid a loss to the Phoenix Suns.

HOUSTON — Phoenix Suns coach Frank Vogel displayed his adoration for Eric Gordon during his pre-game media availability. He described Gordon as the "senior adviser" of his team. But Wednesday night, Vogel's fondness for Gordon grew as the Houston Rockets sustained a 129-113 loss to the Suns.

In his first game back inside the Toyota Center, Gordon put on a show against his former team by scoring 27 points on 10 of 15 shooting from the field, 7 of 11 from behind the arc. Before he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in February, Gordon played six and a half seasons for the Rockets.

After scoring four points during the first quarter, Gordon put the game out of reach for Houston by erupting for 17 points during the second period. His play during the quarter helped the Suns gain a 73-55 lead over the Rockets at the half.

Alperen Şengün led Houston with a team-high 24 points, five rebounds and two steals. Jalen Green had his best performance over the previous two games by adding 23 points, five rebounds and three steals while shooting 6 of 12 from behind the arc.

Jabari Smith Jr. played 22 minutes before going down with a sprained left ankle. He finished the game with nine points and three rebounds.

Kevin Durant had one of his most impressive performances of the season. He recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds in the win. Devin Booker added 20 points as the Suns ended a three-game losing skid.

Rockets center Alperen Sengun is fouled by Phoenix Suns guard Eric Gordon (23) on a drive to the basket during the second quarter at Toyota Center / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

No update on Dillon Brooks' injury:

Dillon Brooks left Tuesday's loss to the Indiana Pacers with an abdominal oblique strain. The injury caused Brooks to miss his first game of the season, and Udoka said he did not have a potential timetable for his return. Jae'Sean Tate started in Brooks' absence and recorded seven points, two rebounds and a steal.

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Up Next:

The Rockets will continue their seven-game homestand Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. After a two-day break, the Rockets will return to Toyota Center for an interconference match against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. Tip-off between the Rockets and 76ers is slated for 7:00 p.m. CDT.