Kevin Durant scored 28 points and become the eighth player in NBA history to reach 31,000 career points as the Houston Rockets rolled to a 117-98 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Houston trailed 31-24 after the first quarter due to a scoring barrage from Dillon Brooks, who made his return to Toyota Center after being included in the Rockets trade package for Durant this offseason. The veteran forward had 14 points in the opening 12 minutes, shooting 6-for-8 from the floor.

Phoenix shot 5-of-36 from 3, allowed 64 paint points and gave up 21 points off 13 turnovers. The Suns were down Devin Booker (right groin strain), Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) and two-way player Isaiah Livers (right hip strain).

According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, Green is hoping to return for the Suns' final road trip of 2025, which will see them play back-to-back games against the New Orleans Pelicans, followed by games against the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31:

The Rockets, who lead the league by far in rebounding and offensive rebounding, only won the rebounding battle 41-39 in the first meeting, and the Suns will look to employ their same strategy of putting multiple bodies on Steven Adams, although the loss of Sengun could hurt the Rockets in imposing their will down low.

A quick look revealing why the Houston Rockets ruled Alperen Sengun out for Friday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns.

The Rockets went on a 24-9 run in the first half and 21-9 surge in the second half. The Suns trailed by as many as 30 points Friday in falling to 0-2 versus Houston. HOUSTON – Dillon Brooks was ready.

Kevin Durant returns to Houston tonight, healthy and leading the Rockets against the Phoenix Suns. Durant, averaging 25 points, is the offensive engi

The Phoenix Suns fell to 11-7 on the season and had their three-game win streak snapped with a 114-92 loss to the Houston Rockets (11-4) Monday night at Mortgage Matchup Center. Kevin Durant did not make his return to Phoenix after being traded to Houston ...

Houston Rockets (10-4, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (11-6, sixth in the Western Conference) Phoenix; Monday, 9:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rockets -5.5; over/under is 226.5 BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix will attempt to keep its three ...