BREAKING: Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant made headlines Monday night by sinking a game-winning shot against the Phoenix Suns, sealing a 100-97 victory with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock. This moment was particularly poignant for Durant, who expressed that it carried extra weight due to his tumultuous exit from the Suns.
Durant, who scored 26 points in the game, stated, “Most definitely,” when asked if the victory was more significant because it came against his former team. “A place that I didn’t want to leave. My first time — I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but I will — to be kicked out of a place.”
In a match that was tightly contested, Durant’s decisive 27-foot three-pointer marked a dramatic turnaround for the Rockets. This game was Durant’s first against the Suns since joining the Rockets in a blockbuster trade this summer that saw Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green sent to Phoenix.
“It feels good to play against a team that booted you out of the building and scapegoated you for all the problems they had,” Durant shared, reflecting on his emotional connection to the Suns and the Phoenix area. “I put all my effort and love and care towards the Suns, but that’s just the business. So, when you play against a (former) team, yeah, you got a chip on your shoulder.”
The 37-year-old forward played for the Suns for 2.5 seasons after being traded from the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023. Although he was an All-Star during both of his full seasons in Phoenix, the Suns fell short of expectations, failing to advance past the first round in the 2023-24 season and missing the playoffs entirely last season.
“It’s nothing but love for the players, but I want to beat that team,” Durant continued. “I want to show them that I still got some juice in the tank. Even though I’m old, I still can play.” His competitive spirit was palpable, as he expressed the common mindset many players have against former teams.
However, Durant noted that he hopes to move on quickly from these feelings. “By the time I get home tonight, I probably won’t even remember it,” he said. “Well, I will remember it, but I’ll try my best to forget about it and move on to the next one.”
This thrilling showdown not only reignited Durant’s competitive fire but also set the stage for an exciting season ahead for the Rockets as they continue to seek success after significant roster changes.
Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Durant’s performance as he looks to lead the Rockets forward in the coming games.
