Suns Regain Swagger in Win vs Rockets

The Phoenix Suns are back to their winning ways.

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns managed to temporarily rid themselves of their losing ways in a 129-113 victory over the Houston Rockets, pushing their record back to .500 at an even 15-15. 

The Suns approached tonight with a myriad of issues on both ends of the court. Simply put, Phoenix was only a shell of a winning team and that showed in everything from play to body language. 

That wasn't the case tonight. 

Phoenix managed to hit open looks, spaced the floor well and showed that coveted energy that's been lacking on their squad.

The bench is having some fun tonight 😁 pic.twitter.com/WryJ8rBJVs

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 28, 2023

It was Kevin Durant's triple double which paved the way for Phoenix's first win since Dec. 17 vs Washington, tallying a 27-10-16 stat line to go along with two steals and one block. 

Durant's 16 assists tied a career high.

In Eric Gordon's return to Houston, the shooting guard tied Durant with his own season high of 27 points on 7-11 shooting from long range. 

Four-of-five Suns starters scored at least 16 points or more in the victory. The lone starter (Jusuf Nurkic) scored eight points and grabbed 10+ rebounds for a sixth straight game.

The Rockets drew within 13 late but Phoenix held strong for majority of the way. Suns coach Frank Vogel emptied his bench with 1:21 remaining. 

Udoka Azubuike got the backup center nod over Drew Eubanks and had another strong night off the bench, scoring 11 points with five rebounds and two blocks in 19 minutes. 

Saben Lee was utilized instead of Jordan Goodwin and scored nine points, including going 5-5 from the stripe. 

Neither Eubanks/Goodwin played.

As a team, the Suns shot a strong 57.3% from the field and out-rebounded Houston 44-33. Phoenix got the W in spite of having 19 turnovers. 

They led by as much as 21 on the night and put up their highest amount of points since a double OT win over the Utah Jazz back on Nov. 19.

Phoenix will be back home on Friday to face the Charlotte Hornets.