The Houston Rockets (11-4) returned to the win column with a convincing 114-92 win against the streaking Phoenix Suns (11-7) on November 25.
Here are the key stats and the top performers of the game:
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Amen Thompson HOU SF 28 PTS | 7 REB | 8 AST | 47.4 FPS
Thompson took control without Durant, who’s dealing with a family matter. He shot 62% from the field and went a perfect 7-for-7 from the line for his third 25-point game of the season. He also added 7 rebounds for the fourth straight game and recorded his highest playmaking output in his last five games.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Aaron Holiday HOU PG 22 PTS | 6-10 3PT | 3 STL | 33.2 FPS
Holiday stepped up in a major way, hitting a season-best in three pointers for his first 20-point game of the season.
SCORING MACHINES:
Dilon Brooks PHX SF 29 PTS | 11-22 FG | 5-6 FT | 33.6 FPS
Brooks took over on offense, finishing with his fourth 25-point game in his last six. He’s now led the Suns in scoring five times this season.
Alperen Sengun HOU C 18 PTS | 8-14 FG | 2-4 3PT | 30.5 FPS
Sengun’s overall production has shown a decline, scoring under 20 points and attempting just 1.5 free throws per game over his last two outings. He has also posted season lows in both rebounds and assists while averaging 4 fouls and 4 turnovers.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Steven Adams HOU C 6 PTS | 2-4 FG | 7 REB| 14.4 FPS
Adams ranks 20th in the league in rebounding, averaging 9.21 boards per game this season.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Jabari Smith Jr. HOU PF 7 REB | 2 STL | 2 BLK | 36.9 FPS
Smith Jr. made his mark defensively, recording at least 4 stocks for the second time this season. He’s also been productive offensively, scoring 15+ points in five of his last seven games.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Royce O’Neale PHX SF 12 PTS | 4-8 3PT | 5 REB | 21.5 FPS
O’Neale delivered again on offense, scoring in double figures for the seventh time and hitting 3+ triples for the ninth time this month.
THE X-FACTOR:
Josh Okogie HOU SG 9 PTS | 6 REB | 3 STL | 26.7 FPS
Okogie recorded his second 5-rebound and his third 3-steal performance this season.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Collin Gillespie PHX PG 16 PTS | 3 REB | 2 STL | 26.6 FPS
Gillespie’s offensive momentum continues, putting up 15 or more points and at least three triples in each of his last four games.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Devin Booker PHX SG 18 PTS | 5 AST | 6 TO
Booker hasn’t been at his best offensively lately, failing to reach the 20-point mark in three of his last four games. He also committed 5 or more turnovers for the ninth time this season.
