Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats
Houston Rockets vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats: A 2026 Thriller
The lights were bright at the Toyota Center this January as the Houston Rockets hosted the Phoenix Suns in a game that had basketball fans on the edge of their seats. If you are looking for the deep dive on the houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats, you have come to the right place. This wasn’t just another regular-season game; it was a battle of heavyweights, familiar faces in new places, and a finish that came down to the final buzzer.
In this article, we are going to break down every single detail. We will look at the box score, the star performances, and the hidden numbers that decided the game. We will talk about Kevin Durant’s dominance in a Rockets jersey and how Devin Booker tried to carry the Suns. Sit back, relax, and let’s relive this incredible 100-97 victory for Houston.
The Final Score: A Defensive Grind
The final score read Houston Rockets 100, Phoenix Suns 97. But that number only tells a tiny part of the story. This game was a physical, defensive grind from start to finish. Neither team shot the ball particularly well from deep, which meant the game was won in the paint and at the free-throw line.
For the Rockets, this win pushed their record to an impressive 22-11. They showed grit, coming back from a deficit to steal the win at home. The Suns, falling to 21-15, battled hard but missed key shots when it mattered most. It was the kind of game that playoff series are made of.
Kevin Durant: The Rockets’ New Leader
The biggest story of the 2026 season has been Kevin Durant’s move to H-Town. In this match, he showed exactly why the Rockets brought him in. Durant was the steady hand the team needed. He played a team-high 38 minutes and filled the stat sheet.
Kevin Durant’s Stats:
- Points: 26
- Rebounds: 10
- Assists: 4
- Blocks: 1
Durant didn’t just score; he defended. He grabbed 10 big rebounds, helping Houston control the glass. His shooting wasn’t perfect (9-for-21 from the field), but he hit big shots in the fourth quarter to keep the Suns at bay. Seeing him go up against his former teammate Devin Booker was a treat for every fan in the arena.
Devin Booker: The Suns’ Scoring Machine
On the other side, Devin Booker did what he does best: score the basketball. With some of his co-stars out or struggling, the offensive load fell squarely on his shoulders. Booker finished as the game’s high scorer with 27 points.
Devin Booker’s Stats:
- Points: 27
- Field Goals: 9-of-20
- Free Throws: 7-of-8
- Assists: 3
Booker was efficient, shooting 45% from the field. He attacked the rim and got to the line 8 times. However, the Rockets’ defense, led by Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks’ replacement, swarmed him late in the game, forcing the ball out of his hands. He didn’t get much help, and that was the difference-maker.
Dillon Brooks: The Villain Returns?
One of the most interesting subplots was Dillon Brooks. In a twist of fate, the former Rockets instigator was now starting for the Phoenix Suns. Fans were curious to see how he would handle his return to Houston.
Brooks played a solid game, finishing with 15 points and 4 rebounds. He shot 7-for-15 from the floor. True to his style, he played aggressive defense and tried to get under the skin of his former teammates. While he scored well, his -5 plus/minus showed that the Rockets were able to exploit his aggression on the other end.
Amen Thompson: The Future is Now
If you want to know who the X-factor was, look no further than Amen Thompson. The young Rockets guard is blossoming into a star right before our eyes. In this game, he was everywhere.
Amen Thompson’s Stats:
- Points: 17
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 6
- Steals: 0
Thompson controlled the pace. He didn’t turn the ball over much and made smart plays. His ability to drive and kick out to shooters like Jabari Smith Jr. was crucial. With 17 points, he matched Jabari’s scoring output, proving he is a legitimate offensive threat in 2026.
Jabari Smith Jr.: Stretching the Floor
Jabari Smith Jr. continues to be a rock for this Houston team. He played over 38 minutes, matching Durant’s workload. His ability to space the floor is vital for the Rockets’ offense.
He finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds, knocking down 3 three-pointers. In a game where both teams struggled from downtown (Rockets shot just 24% from 3), Jabari’s outside shooting was a lifeline. He also played tough defense in the post, helping limit the Suns’ interior scoring.
The Battle in the Paint: Adams vs. Williams
Old school vs. New school. That was the matchup at the center position. The veteran Steven Adams started for Houston, bringing his legendary strength and rebounding. He battled against the Suns’ young center, Mark Williams.
Steven Adams was a beast on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds (6 of them offensive!). Those second-chance points were huge in a 3-point game. He only scored 8 points, but his impact was felt.
Mark Williams struggled to keep up, finishing with just 4 points and 8 rebounds. The Rockets won the rebounding battle 61 to 40, and Adams was the main reason why.
Where Was Jalen Green?
Fans looking at the box score might notice a big name missing: Jalen Green. The high-flying guard, who is now on the Phoenix Suns roster in this 2026 timeline, did not play in this game due to a hamstring injury.
His absence was felt. The Suns lacked that explosive second scorer next to Booker. While players like Royce O’Neale stepped up (15 points), they missed Green’s ability to create his own shot. Reports say he returned later in January, but for this specific January 5th clash, he was in street clothes.
Bench Production: Who Stepped Up?
In a tight game, the bench often decides the winner. The Rockets got a nice spark from rookie sensation Reed Sheppard.
Reed Sheppard came off the bench to score 11 points in 22 minutes. He also grabbed 2 steals, showing he can compete on the defensive end.
For the Suns, Jordan Goodwin provided a lift with 11 points on efficient shooting. However, the Suns’ bench as a whole struggled to contain the Rockets’ size. Houston’s depth allowed them to keep fresh legs on the floor, which paid off in the fourth quarter.
Shooting Struggles Breakdown
If we look at the team stats, it wasn’t a pretty shooting night. Both defenses were locked in.
- Rockets 3-Point %: 24.3% (9-for-37)
- Suns 3-Point %: 34.1% (14-for-41)
The Suns actually shot better from deep! So how did they lose? The answer lies in Free Throws and Rebounds. The Rockets took 21 free throws to the Suns’ 12. And as mentioned, Houston grabbed 21 more rebounds than Phoenix. You simply can’t win when you get outrebounded by that margin.
Detailed Match Stats Table
Here is the complete breakdown of the houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats for the January 5, 2026 game.
Houston Rockets Player Stats
| Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% |
| Kevin Durant | 38 | 26 | 10 | 4 | 43% |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | 38 | 17 | 7 | 3 | 55% |
| Amen Thompson | 37 | 17 | 7 | 6 | 38% |
| Tari Eason | 30 | 12 | 8 | 2 | 33% |
| Reed Sheppard | 22 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 56% |
| Steven Adams | 31 | 8 | 11 | 2 | 57% |
| Aaron Holiday | 10 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 67% |
| Dorian Finney-Smith | 14 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 25% |
Phoenix Suns Player Stats
| Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% |
| Devin Booker | 33 | 27 | 0 | 3 | 45% |
| Royce O’Neale | 31 | 15 | 6 | 3 | 42% |
| Dillon Brooks | 34 | 15 | 4 | 2 | 47% |
| Collin Gillespie | 25 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 36% |
| Jordan Goodwin | 25 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 57% |
| Oso Ighodaro | 27 | 9 | 8 | 2 | 80% |
| Ryan Dunn | 16 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 67% |
| Mark Williams | 21 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 33% |
Key Turning Points
The game was decided in the final minutes. The Suns led 60-54 at halftime, thanks to a strong second quarter where they scored 31 points. But the Rockets came out of the locker room on fire.
In the third quarter, Houston’s defense tightened up. They held Phoenix to just 18 points in the period while scoring 24 themselves. This swung the momentum. The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, but Kevin Durant hit a clutch midrange jumper and some key free throws to seal the deal. The Suns had a chance to tie it late, but the Rockets’ defense forced a tough shot.
What This Means for the Season
This win was a statement for the Rockets. Beating a playoff contender like the Suns proves they are for real. It showed they can win “ugly” games where shots aren’t falling. For the Suns, it was a tough loss, but it showed they can compete even without Jalen Green. They will need to fix their rebounding issues if they want to make a deep run in the 2026 playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was the top scorer in the Rockets vs Suns match on Jan 5, 2026?
Devin Booker was the top scorer of the game with 27 points, although his team lost. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 26 points.
2. Did Jalen Green play in this match?
No, Jalen Green did not play for the Phoenix Suns in this specific game due to a hamstring injury. He returned to the lineup later in the month.
3. How many rebounds did Steven Adams get?
Steven Adams was a dominant force, grabbing 11 rebounds. Six of those were offensive rebounds, which gave the Rockets extra possessions.
4. Is Kevin Durant on the Rockets now?
Yes! In the 2025-2026 season timeline, Kevin Durant is playing for the Houston Rockets, where he serves as a veteran leader and primary scorer.
5. Why did the Rockets win despite shooting worse from 3-point range?
The Rockets won because they dominated the rebounding battle (61-40) and made more free throws. They created more chances for themselves to score.
6. Where can I find the full highlights of this game?
You can find highlights on major sports platforms like YouTube (channels like FreeDawkins often post them) or the official NBA website. Search for “Rockets vs Suns Jan 5 2026 highlights”.
Conclusion
The houston rockets vs phoenix suns match player stats tell the story of a gritty, hard-fought win for Houston. It wasn’t about flashy dunks or 3-point barrages; it was about rebounding, defense, and stars making plays in crunch time. Kevin Durant proved his worth against his old squad, and the Rockets’ young core showed they are ready for the big stage.
As the 2026 season rolls on, both these teams look like serious threats in the Western Conference. If this game was a preview of a playoff series, basketball fans are in for a treat. Keep an eye on the rematch—especially when Jalen Green is back on the floor!
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