The Houston Rockets pulled off a shocking road victory over the Phoenix Suns, winning 118-105 on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The win came despite the absence of Suns superstar Kevin Durant, who missed the game due to a personal family matter — a rare non-injury absence since joining Phoenix in 2023. The Rockets, entering as underdogs, seized control early and never looked back, outscoring the Suns 59-50 at halftime and holding off a late surge to improve to 11-4 on the season. For a team that had struggled with efficiency through their first 10 games, this was more than just a win — it was a statement.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
The Rockets didn’t wait for Durant to return. They came out firing, scoring 30 points in the first quarter — their highest opening frame of the season — and added 29 more in the second, building a nine-point lead before halftime. Amen Thompson, the 2023 No. 3 overall pick, delivered the performance of his young career: 28 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, shooting 11-of-20 from the field. "You’ll probably notice I am somewhere else for Thanksgiving week," said Dave Hardisty during the ClutchFans postgame show on November 25. "And, uh, the Rockets just without Kevin Durant go into Phoenix and get a monster win behind the lead of Amen Thompson, who I’m here with my good friend Ben DuBose." Hardisty added that Thompson, who had been criticized for inconsistent efficiency early in the season, "finally put it all together when it mattered most."
Supporting Thompson were Alperen Şengün (22 points, 11 rebounds), Jabari Smith Jr. (19 points, 5 threes), and rookie Reed Sheppard (16 points, 6 assists off the bench). The Rockets’ bench outscored Phoenix’s 38-19, a critical factor in maintaining momentum after the starters rested in the third quarter.
Suns Without Durant: Booker Carries the Load
Without Durant, the Suns leaned heavily on Devin Booker, who finished with 34 points and 8 assists — his sixth 30-point game of the season. But Booker was surrounded by silence. The Suns’ supporting cast shot a combined 32% from the field, and their ball movement stalled without Durant’s gravity as a passer and decoy. Phoenix’s offense, which ranked fourth in the league in points per possession before the game, dropped to 105.3 points per 100 possessions — well below their season average of 118.1.
"It’s not about excuses," said Suns head coach Frank Vogel after the game. "But when Kevin’s not on the floor, we lose a level of decision-making that’s hard to replace. We had chances. We just didn’t make the plays." The Suns, who entered the game 8-2 at home, fell to 8-3. Their home winning streak — which had stretched to six games — ended in a performance that felt more like a mirage than a powerhouse.
The Human Element Behind the Absence
Kevin Durant’s absence wasn’t tied to injury, fatigue, or suspension — it was personal. According to Hardisty and fellow ClutchFans host Ben DuBose, who broke the news during their 26-minute, 38-second postgame show, Durant was dealing with a "family matter" that required his immediate attention. It’s the fourth time Durant has missed a game for non-injury reasons since joining Phoenix in 2023, and the first since his mother, Wanda Pratt, underwent surgery in January 2024. Fans and analysts alike reacted with empathy. "We talk about stats, records, and standings," DuBose said. "But sometimes, the game takes a backseat to what really matters. That’s basketball. That’s life."
The Rockets, meanwhile, were quick to acknowledge Durant’s absence without exploiting it. "We didn’t celebrate him not being there," said Thompson after the game. "We just played our game. He’s one of the greatest ever. We respect that."
Broadcast, Schedule, and What’s Next
The game was nationally televised on Peacock, with ESPN’s live coverage highlighting Houston’s defensive intensity — particularly their 14 steals and 11 forced turnovers in the first half. The win improved the Rockets’ road record to 6-2, the best in the Western Conference away from home.
Phoenix’s next game is a "Remix at Suns" event on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 2:00 AM UTC — a themed night celebrating team history with fan giveaways and retro jerseys. They then host the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, November 30, at 9:00 PM UTC, followed by two back-to-back games against the Golden State Warriors on December 4 and 6. For Houston, the win sets up a critical home stretch: five of their next seven games are at the Toyota Center, including a December 3 matchup against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just a win for the Rockets. It was validation. After years of rebuilding, they’ve shown they can beat elite teams — even without their biggest star on the floor. For the Suns, it’s a warning sign: they’re still too dependent on Durant. Without him, their identity fractures. And with the playoffs looming, that’s a dangerous vulnerability.
Meanwhile, Amen Thompson’s breakout performance may be the turning point of Houston’s season. He’s no longer the raw prospect. He’s the engine. And if he keeps this up, the Rockets won’t just be contenders — they’ll be nightmares.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Kevin Durant’s absence for the Phoenix Suns’ playoff chances?
Durant’s absence exposes a critical flaw: the Suns lack depth in clutch offensive creation. Without him, their offensive rating drops by nearly 12 points per 100 possessions, according to NBA Advanced Stats. They’re 11-7 this season, but their net rating plummets to -1.8 without him — the worst among top-8 Western Conference teams. If Durant misses more games, their top-four seeding is at risk.
What does Amen Thompson’s performance mean for the Houston Rockets’ future?
Thompson’s 28-point, 9-assist night was his first true breakout in a high-leverage game. He’s now averaging 18.4 points and 6.1 assists over his last five games — up from 11.2 in his first 10. If he maintains this level, he becomes the first Rocket since James Harden to average over 18/6/5 in a season. The Rockets’ rebuild just got a lot more promising.
Why was the game broadcast on Peacock instead of ESPN or TNT?
NBA national TV scheduling rotates among broadcast partners. Peacock holds rights to select midweek games during Thanksgiving week as part of its exclusive package for 2025-26. This matchup was picked because of the Durant storyline and Houston’s rising profile, even though neither team was in a marquee rivalry slot. It’s a sign of how much interest the Rockets are generating beyond their traditional market.
How does this loss impact the Suns’ standings in the Western Conference?
The loss drops Phoenix to 11-7, tying them with the LA Clippers for the 6th seed. The Rockets, now 11-4, leapfrog the Lakers and Spurs to move into 5th place. With just 11 games separating the 1st and 10th seeds in the West, every loss matters. The Suns’ 8-3 home record still looks strong, but their road struggles (3-4 away) and lack of depth could haunt them in the playoffs.
Is there any update on Kevin Durant’s return timeline?
As of November 25, the Suns have not disclosed specifics. Durant has not missed a game for personal reasons since 2021, and the organization has asked for privacy. He’s expected to return for the team’s December 4 game against the Warriors, but that’s not confirmed. Team sources say he’s "focused on family first," and no official return date has been set.
What’s the significance of the "Remix at Suns" event?
The "Remix at Suns" event is an annual fan experience that celebrates Phoenix’s retro jerseys and team history, dating back to their 1990s era. It includes limited-edition merchandise, player meet-and-greets, and a halftime tribute to former stars like Charles Barkley and Steve Nash. This year’s event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Suns’ 1993 NBA Finals run — making it a symbolic moment for the franchise, even amid a challenging stretch on the court.