Kevin Durant produced a memorable performance on Monday night, knocking down a clutch three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining to give the Houston Rockets a 100–97 victory over the Phoenix Suns in a highly charged matchup.
Durant led Houston with 26 points, but it was his deep 27-foot shot in the closing moments that sealed the win. With the score tied before the attempt, the veteran forward rose confidently and delivered at the buzzer, punctuating one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.
The moment carried added significance for Durant, who was facing the Suns for the first time since leaving the franchise earlier this year. After the game, he acknowledged that the basket meant more because of the opponent, describing his departure from Phoenix as something he never wanted and felt was out of his control.
Durant joined the Rockets during the offseason as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green to Phoenix. The matchup was his first against his former team, and he admitted there was extra motivation and emotion fueling his performance.
The 37-year-old spent two and a half seasons with the Suns after arriving in a major trade in February 2023. He earned All-Star honors in both of his full seasons with the team, but postseason success was limited. Phoenix was eliminated in the first round of the 2024 playoffs and failed to reach the postseason last year.
Durant emphasized that his emotions were not directed at former teammates, but rather stemmed from a competitive desire to prove he remains among the league’s elite. He noted that games against former organizations naturally bring an added edge for players of his caliber.
Despite the intensity of the moment, Durant downplayed any lingering resentment, explaining that the focus quickly turns to the next game during a long NBA season. For Houston, the victory represented a statement win—one powered by a star who continues to show he can deliver when it matters most.
Source: Morningherald.net
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