The Houston Rockets absorbed a 102-99 defeat against the Phoenix Suns on November 7, 2026, dropping the team to sixth place in the Western Conference standings.
Kevin Durant led Houston with 21 points, securing 10 rebounds and three assists in the hard-fought matchup. Phoenix secured the victory behind a clutch 24-point performance from Devin Booker.
The matchup carried extra tension following a viral social media exchange last month between Durant and Suns owner Mat Ishbia. Ishbia stated in a CNBC Sports interview that his early decisions after purchasing the team in December 2022 involved throwing money at problems without a defined culture, adding that acquiring superstar players like Durant did not automatically produce championships.
Durant fired back on X, bringing up a March 2026 DUI arrest involving Dillon Brooks, who was sent to Phoenix in the trade that brought Durant to Houston.
Kevin Durant on being back in Phoenix: "It's a normal, regular game. I played here for 2.5 years bro. It's not that deep. I loved living in Phoenix. I miss it everyday, to be honest with you. Mu favorite place to live in the league. But outside of that, I've got no problems with… pic.twitter.com/wjTuXMGdnR”
Despite the digital feud and a hostile Phoenix crowd that booed him during pregame introductions, Durant downplayed any personal friction after the final buzzer. Fadeaway World reported that Durant addressed his relationship with the city and his former team directly in his postgame media session.
It’s a normal, regular game. I played here for 2.5 years bro. It’s not that deep. I loved living in Phoenix. I miss it everyday, to be honest with you. My favorite place to live in the league. But outside of that, I’ve got no problems with anybody here,
Durant said.
Durant’s offensive workload has shifted during his second season with the Rockets. Through the first 10 games, he is averaging 20.8 points per contest, a notable dip from the 26.0 points per game he put up last year on his way to an All-NBA Second Team selection. The emergence of Houston’s younger core players has allowed the offense to diversify.
Alperen Sengun has outpaced Durant as the team’s primary scoring option early in the year, while Jabari Smith Jr. has recorded multiple 30-point outings. Amen Thompson also anchors a physical starting lineup that demands defensive attention.
Following the loss, Dillon Brooks praised the collective identity of the Phoenix roster, crediting Ishbia for instigating a gritty team culture. Meanwhile, Devin Booker and Durant affirmed their ongoing friendship, with Booker noting that their mutual respect extends far beyond the hardwood.