The Suns’ explosive start faded into a tight fourth-quarter battle, with Houston answering after halftime.
Phoenix opened with 35 points to Houston’s 23, but the Rockets answered with a 24-12 second quarter to level the score at 47. The Suns edged the third 29-28 and have scored the first two points of the fourth to lead 78-75. Kevin Durant has 19 points and nine rebounds for Houston, while Fred VanVleet has added 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three. Houston entered 7-2 and fourth in the power index; Phoenix was 2-5 and ranked 21st.
Key Performers
Kevin Durant (Houston): 19 points, 9 rebounds Fred VanVleet (Houston): 16 points, 4-of-7 from three Devin Booker (Phoenix): 15 points, 3 steals