Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats

Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats

The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats from the April 8, 2026 meeting tell a much deeper story than the final score alone. Houston defeated Phoenix 119-105 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, completing a 4-0 season sweep over the Suns. The Rockets overcame a 16-point first-quarter deficit by controlling the glass, creating more assists, limiting free mistakes relative to their overall offensive volume, and producing a major fourth-quarter surge.

For anyone studying the Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets match player stats, the most useful starting point is not simply identifying the leading scorer. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 31 points and 8 assists, while Kevin Durant paced Houston with 24 points and Alperen Sengun collected 14 rebounds. Those individual numbers matter, but the team-level figures explain why Houston won.

Houston finished 45-for-100 from the field, 14-for-38 from three-point range and 15-for-16 at the free-throw line. Phoenix shot 32-for-75 overall, 7-for-31 from three and 34-for-39 from the free-throw line. Houston also won the rebounding battle 55-34 and recorded 26 assists compared with Phoenix’s 15.

The game therefore provides a useful example of why basketball analysis should combine player production with efficiency, possession control and lineup context. A 31-point performance can be excellent while still being insufficient to win when the opposing team gains a large advantage in rebounding, ball movement and late-game execution.

Table of Contents

Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The game was played on April 8, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, with 17,071 fans in attendance. Houston entered the matchup with a 50-29 overall record and a 22-19 road record. Phoenix was 43-36 overall and 24-16 at home.

Houston’s 119-105 victory was its fourth win over Phoenix during the season. The 4-0 season-series result is particularly important because it shows that the matchup was not decided by one isolated night. Across their meetings, Houston consistently found ways to create problems for Phoenix.

Final Score

Houston Rockets 119, Phoenix Suns 105

The quarter-by-quarter scoring pattern was:

Quarter Houston Rockets Phoenix Suns
1st 21 37
2nd 33 20
3rd 27 27
4th 38 21
Total 119 105

The opening quarter appeared to favor Phoenix strongly. The Suns scored 37 points while holding Houston to only 21. That gave Phoenix a 16-point advantage after 12 minutes.

Houston then changed the game’s direction.

The Rockets won the second quarter 33-20, reducing the deficit to only three points at halftime. The third quarter was even at 27-27, meaning the contest entered the final period with Phoenix still holding a narrow advantage.

The decisive difference came in the fourth quarter.

Houston scored 38 points while Phoenix managed only 21. That 17-point fourth-quarter margin completely reversed the game and turned what had been a competitive contest into a 14-point Rockets victory.

This quarter distribution is one of the most important pieces of the game because it demonstrates Houston’s ability to recover from a poor start and finish with force.

Houston Rockets Player Production

Houston’s starting group consisted of Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard.

The available data identifies three leading individual statistical contributors for Houston:

  • Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 24 points.
  • Alperen Sengun led Houston with 14 rebounds.
  • Amen Thompson led the team with 8 assists.

Those three categories reveal different aspects of Houston’s performance.

Kevin Durant’s 24 Points

Kevin Durant was Houston’s leading scorer with 24 points.

In a game where Houston scored 119 points, Durant did not need to carry the entire scoring load. His 24 points represented an important scoring contribution within a broader offensive effort.

This is a useful distinction when interpreting player statistics. A team’s leading scorer does not always need to post an extremely high total for the team to produce an efficient offensive night. Houston received contributions across its lineup and finished with 45 made field goals.

Durant’s scoring was therefore part of a balanced offensive structure rather than an isolated scoring performance.

Alperen Sengun’s 14 Rebounds

Alperen Sengun’s 14 rebounds were arguably among the most important individual numbers in the game.

Houston finished with 55 total rebounds compared with Phoenix’s 34. That created a 21-rebound advantage for the Rockets.

A rebound is not merely a box-score statistic. Rebounding can determine who receives additional possessions, who controls the defensive glass and who gets opportunities to start transition offense.

Sengun’s 14 rebounds represented a major contribution to Houston’s dominance in this area.

The overall rebounding difference is particularly striking because Phoenix was playing at home. Home-court advantage did not translate into control of the boards for the Suns.

Amen Thompson’s 8 Assists

Amen Thompson led Houston with 8 assists.

Houston finished with 26 assists as a team. Phoenix recorded 15.

That 11-assist difference helps explain why the Rockets were able to produce 119 points despite shooting only 45 percent from the field.

The assist numbers point toward a more connected offensive attack. Houston did not rely exclusively on difficult individual shots. The ball moved well enough to generate 26 assists.

For analysts, this is one of the clearest examples of why scoring totals should not be viewed in isolation. Two teams can have comparable individual scoring performances while producing very different offensive results because of passing, shot creation and possession quality.

Phoenix Suns Player Production

Phoenix’s starters were Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, Devin Booker, Jordan Goodwin and Jalen Green.

The available player data identifies Devin Booker as the Suns’ leading scorer and assists leader, while Mark Williams led the team in rebounds.

  • Devin Booker scored 31 points.
  • Devin Booker recorded 8 assists.
  • Mark Williams collected 8 rebounds.

Booker’s performance was one of the strongest individual statistical efforts in the game, but Houston’s overall statistical advantages proved too large for Phoenix to overcome.

Devin Booker’s 31 Points

Devin Booker scored 31 points, making him the highest-scoring player in the game.

He also recorded 8 assists, giving him a major role in Phoenix’s offensive creation.

Booker’s production was especially important because Phoenix struggled from three-point range. The Suns made only 7 of 31 attempts from beyond the arc, a 23 percent rate.

That meant Booker and the rest of the Phoenix offense had less margin for error. When three-point shooting is limited, teams often need efficient two-point scoring, free throws, offensive rebounds or strong transition play to compensate.

Phoenix did make 34 of 39 free throws, an excellent 87 percent team rate. However, the Suns could not overcome the combination of poor three-point shooting and the 21-rebound disadvantage.

Mark Williams’ 8 Rebounds

Mark Williams led Phoenix with 8 rebounds.

That number was respectable individually, but the team context is more important. Phoenix finished with only 34 rebounds compared with Houston’s 55.

The 8 rebounds from Williams therefore could not prevent Houston from controlling the overall rebounding battle.

This illustrates an important principle in player-stat analysis: an individual player’s contribution can be positive even when the team’s broader category is a weakness.

Complete Team Statistical Comparison

The team statistics provide the clearest explanation for Houston’s victory.

Statistic Houston Rockets Phoenix Suns
Final Score 119 105
Field Goals 45-100 32-75
Field Goal Percentage 45% 43%
Three-Pointers 14-38 7-31
Three-Point Percentage 37% 23%
Free Throws 15-16 34-39
Free Throw Percentage 94% 87%
Rebounds 55 34
Assists 26 15
Turnovers 17 18
Steals 8 10
Blocks 3 7

Several numbers immediately stand out.

Houston Won the Rebounding Battle

The Rockets grabbed 55 rebounds.

The Suns grabbed 34.

That is a 21-rebound difference.

Few team statistics are more revealing in this matchup. Houston generated a substantial advantage in possession opportunities by controlling the boards.

Sengun’s 14 rebounds were a major part of that effort, but the 55 total rebounds demonstrate that the advantage was team-wide.

Houston Had a Major Assist Advantage

Houston recorded 26 assists.

Phoenix recorded 15.

The Rockets therefore had 11 more assists.

This difference supports the idea that Houston’s offense was more connected. The team produced 45 made field goals and assisted on a large share of those successful possessions.

Phoenix’s 15 assists suggest a greater dependence on individual shot creation.

Booker’s 8 assists were important, but Phoenix needed more collective playmaking to match Houston’s offensive distribution.

Three-Point Shooting Favored Houston

Houston made 14 of 38 three-point attempts.

Phoenix made only 7 of 31.

Houston therefore made twice as many three-pointers as Phoenix.

The percentage gap was also significant:

  • Houston: 37 percent
  • Phoenix: 23 percent

That 14-percentage-point difference had a direct impact on the scoring environment.

Houston’s three-point shooting produced 42 points from beyond the arc. Phoenix produced 21.

That is a 21-point difference from three-point makes alone.

Although basketball scoring involves many interacting factors, this is one of the simplest numerical explanations for Houston’s ability to finish with a 14-point victory.

Phoenix Was Better at the Free-Throw Line in Volume

Phoenix attempted 39 free throws and made 34.

Houston attempted only 16 and made 15.

Phoenix therefore scored 34 points from free throws compared with Houston’s 15.

This is important because it shows that the Suns did have an offensive advantage in one major scoring category.

However, Houston’s three-point advantage was equally large in raw points, while its rebounding and assist advantages strengthened its overall offensive profile.

Turnovers Were Close

Houston committed 17 turnovers.

Phoenix committed 18.

The one-turnover difference was relatively small.

This is useful because it prevents an inaccurate conclusion that Phoenix lost simply because of excessive turnovers. Both teams gave the ball away frequently, and the turnover gap was not large enough to explain the final result by itself.

The more decisive differences were shooting from three, rebounding and assists.

Why Houston Won After Losing the First Quarter

The most interesting part of the game may be the change in momentum after the first quarter.

Phoenix opened with 37 points.

Houston scored only 21.

At that stage, Phoenix had a clear advantage.

But the Rockets responded with 33 points in the second quarter while holding Phoenix to 20.

That reduced the deficit from 16 points to only three.

The third quarter ended 27-27, meaning Houston had already stabilized the game.

Then came the fourth quarter.

Houston scored 38 points.

Phoenix scored 21.

Houston’s final-period offensive output was therefore almost double Phoenix’s.

This pattern indicates that the game was not simply a case of one team leading wire to wire. Houston adjusted, recovered and eventually took complete control.

For people analyzing game results, quarter splits can reveal information that the final score hides. A 119-105 result alone does not show that Phoenix led by 16 after the first quarter.

Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats and the Four-Win Sweep

The season-series result is another major piece of context.

Houston won all four meetings with Phoenix.

A 4-0 season sweep is more significant than a single victory because it suggests that the Rockets repeatedly found successful solutions against the Suns.

The April 8 meeting was especially revealing because Phoenix started extremely well.

If Houston can overcome a 16-point first-quarter deficit and still win by 14, the result demonstrates substantial resilience.

The sweep also provides context for evaluating individual statistics.

Booker’s 31 points were not enough to change the matchup’s season-long pattern. Houston continued to find ways to win despite Phoenix producing a strong individual scoring performance.

This is why season-series analysis should accompany individual box-score analysis.

The Most Important Statistical Mismatches

A useful way to interpret the game is to identify the statistical categories that created the greatest competitive separation.

1. Rebounding

Houston: 55

Phoenix: 34

Difference: Houston +21

This was arguably the largest structural advantage.

2. Three-Point Makes

Houston: 14

Phoenix: 7

Difference: Houston +7

Houston doubled Phoenix’s three-point makes.

3. Assists

Houston: 26

Phoenix: 15

Difference: Houston +11

The assist gap supports Houston’s stronger team-oriented offensive execution.

4. Free Throws

Houston: 15 made

Phoenix: 34 made

Difference: Phoenix +19

This category strongly favored Phoenix, but it was not enough to offset the Rockets’ other advantages.

5. Turnovers

Houston: 17

Phoenix: 18

Difference: Houston +1

The turnover battle was effectively close.

6. Field Goal Percentage

Houston: 45 percent

Phoenix: 43 percent

Difference: Houston +2 percentage points

The overall shooting percentage difference was relatively small. That is important because it shows that Houston’s victory was not primarily caused by dramatically superior overall field-goal accuracy.

Instead, the biggest differences came from the three-point line, rebounding and assists.

What Booker’s 31 Points Really Tell Us

A common mistake in basketball analysis is to interpret a high scoring total as proof that the player had a dominant overall game.

Booker’s 31 points were excellent from a scoring perspective.

His 8 assists added another important layer.

But Phoenix still lost by 14.

The lesson is not that Booker’s performance was poor. The lesson is that individual production has to be evaluated within the team environment.

Phoenix’s offensive problems were broader:

  • 23 percent three-point shooting
  • 34 total rebounds
  • 15 assists
  • 18 turnovers
  • 21 fewer rebounds than Houston

Booker’s scoring could not independently correct all of those issues.

This is one of the most valuable insights available from the phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats. A player’s box-score line can look strong while the team’s possession profile remains unfavorable.

What Durant’s 24 Points Tell Us

Durant scored 24 points, which was 7 fewer than Booker.

Yet Durant’s team won comfortably.

That does not mean Durant outplayed Booker in every aspect of the game. The available data does not provide enough individual detail to make such a sweeping claim.

Instead, it shows that Houston did not require its leading scorer to exceed Booker’s scoring total.

The Rockets’ advantage came from collective production.

Sengun’s 14 rebounds and Thompson’s 8 assists were critical pieces of that broader performance.

Houston’s 26 assists and 55 rebounds demonstrate how the team converted contributions from multiple players into a winning performance.

Shooting Efficiency: A Closer Look

The overall shooting numbers are surprisingly close.

Houston shot 45 percent from the field.

Phoenix shot 43 percent.

That is only a two-percentage-point difference.

If someone looked only at field-goal percentage, the game might appear relatively balanced.

The three-point numbers tell a different story.

Houston shot 37 percent from three.

Phoenix shot 23 percent.

That gap created a major difference in scoring efficiency from long range.

Phoenix also attempted 39 free throws and made 34, while Houston attempted 16 and made 15.

Therefore, the scoring profile of the two teams was very different.

Phoenix generated a large number of points at the free-throw line.

Houston generated significantly more points from three-point shooting.

The Rockets ultimately had the more effective overall scoring mix.

Rebounding as a Hidden Driver of the Result

Rebounding can sometimes receive less attention than scoring, but this matchup shows why it matters.

Houston’s 55 rebounds compared with Phoenix’s 34.

That is a 21-rebound advantage.

A difference of this size can affect both ends of the court.

Offensive rebounds can create additional scoring opportunities.

Defensive rebounds can end possessions and prevent second chances.

Even without a detailed offensive-versus-defensive rebounding split, the total figure clearly shows Houston’s control of the glass.

Sengun’s 14 rebounds were especially important because he accounted for a significant portion of Houston’s total.

Assists and Offensive Structure

Houston’s 26 assists compared with Phoenix’s 15.

The difference of 11 assists is substantial.

Assists are not a perfect measurement of offensive quality, but they can provide useful evidence about how a team creates made field goals.

Houston’s passing was particularly relevant because the Rockets also made 45 field goals.

Phoenix, by contrast, made 32 field goals.

The combination of more field goals and more assists indicates that Houston was able to generate a higher volume of successful scoring plays through its overall offensive structure.

Defense: Steals and Blocks

Phoenix recorded 10 steals compared with Houston’s 8.

Phoenix also recorded 7 blocks compared with Houston’s 3.

These numbers show that the Suns were active defensively.

Yet defensive activity did not translate into a victory.

This is another reminder that isolated defensive statistics do not always tell the full story.

Phoenix created more steals and blocks, but Houston still scored 119 points.

The Rockets’ offensive efficiency, rebounding advantage and three-point shooting were enough to overcome Phoenix’s edge in these defensive counting stats.

Starting Lineups and Matchup Context

Houston started:

  • Kevin Durant
  • Jabari Smith Jr.
  • Alperen Sengun
  • Amen Thompson
  • Reed Sheppard

Phoenix started:

  • Dillon Brooks
  • Mark Williams
  • Devin Booker
  • Jordan Goodwin
  • Jalen Green

These starting groups provide useful context for understanding how the teams were structured for the matchup.

Houston had Durant as its leading scorer, Sengun as its leading rebounder and Thompson as its leading assist provider.

Phoenix relied heavily on Booker for both scoring and playmaking, while Williams led the team in rebounding.

The available data does not provide complete player-by-player minutes, shooting splits or plus-minus figures, so it would be inappropriate to invent those numbers or make precise claims about individual lineup efficiency.

A trustworthy analysis should distinguish between confirmed statistics and conclusions that require additional data.

What the Game Reveals About Team Construction

The matchup also provides a broader basketball lesson.

Houston’s statistical profile was balanced.

The Rockets had:

  • A 24-point leading scorer
  • A 14-rebound leader
  • An 8-assist leader
  • 26 team assists
  • 55 team rebounds
  • 14 made three-pointers

Phoenix had:

  • A 31-point leading scorer
  • An 8-rebound leader
  • An 8-assist leader
  • 15 team assists
  • 34 team rebounds
  • 7 made three-pointers

The comparison shows a difference between individual scoring concentration and distributed team production.

Phoenix’s best individual scorer had a larger scoring total than Houston’s best scorer.

Houston still won.

That is a useful reminder that basketball is ultimately a team possession game.

How to Read Player Stats Without Overvaluing One Number

When evaluating a game such as this one, a practical process is to move through the statistics in stages.

Step 1: Start With the Final Score

Houston won 119-105.

This establishes the result but not the reason.

Step 2: Check Quarter Scoring

Phoenix led 37-21 after one quarter.

Houston then outscored Phoenix by 17 in the fourth.

This reveals the game’s momentum changes.

Step 3: Check Shooting

Houston had the better three-point percentage and twice as many three-point makes.

Phoenix had the better free-throw volume.

Step 4: Check Rebounding

Houston had a 55-34 advantage.

That immediately identifies a major possession difference.

Step 5: Check Assists

Houston led 26-15.

This provides evidence of stronger collective offensive creation.

Step 6: Check Turnovers

Houston had 17.

Phoenix had 18.

The turnover battle was not the main explanation for the result.

Step 7: Evaluate Individual Leaders

Booker led all scorers with 31.

Durant led Houston with 24.

Sengun had 14 rebounds.

Thompson had 8 assists.

Williams had 8 rebounds.

Booker had 8 assists.

This final step puts individual performance into the larger team context.

Phoenix Suns vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats: Key Takeaways

The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats show several clear lessons.

First, Houston did not need its leading scorer to outscore Phoenix’s leading scorer.

Durant scored 24 while Booker scored 31, but Houston won by 14.

Second, Houston controlled the glass.

The Rockets’ 55 rebounds were 21 more than Phoenix’s 34.

Third, Houston created a major advantage from three-point shooting.

The Rockets made 14 threes while Phoenix made only 7.

Fourth, Houston moved the ball more effectively according to the assist totals.

The Rockets recorded 26 assists compared with Phoenix’s 15.

Fifth, Phoenix had some significant statistical strengths.

The Suns made 34 free throws, compared with Houston’s 15, and recorded more steals and blocks.

Sixth, the fourth quarter was decisive.

Houston scored 38 points in the final period while Phoenix scored 21.

Finally, the 4-0 season-series result gives the individual statistics greater context. Houston repeatedly found a winning formula against Phoenix during the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who led the Phoenix Suns in scoring against the Rockets?

Devin Booker led Phoenix with 31 points. He also recorded 8 assists.

Who led the Houston Rockets in scoring?

Kevin Durant led Houston with 24 points in the April 8, 2026 game.

Who had the most rebounds in the game?

Alperen Sengun led all players with 14 rebounds. Houston also dominated the overall rebounding battle 55-34.

What was the final score between Houston and Phoenix?

The Houston Rockets defeated the Phoenix Suns 119-105.

How did Houston beat Phoenix despite Booker scoring 31 points?

Houston gained major advantages in rebounding, three-point shooting and assists. The Rockets had 55 rebounds to Phoenix’s 34, made 14 threes to Phoenix’s 7, and recorded 26 assists to Phoenix’s 15.

Did Houston sweep the season series against Phoenix?

Yes. Houston won all four meetings against Phoenix during the season, finishing the series 4-0.

Conclusion

The phoenix suns vs houston rockets match player stats from April 8, 2026 show why a complete basketball analysis needs more than a scoring leaderboard.

Devin Booker produced 31 points and 8 assists for Phoenix, making him the game’s leading scorer. Kevin Durant led Houston with 24 points, while Alperen Sengun collected 14 rebounds and Amen Thompson supplied 8 assists.

Yet Houston’s victory was built around team-level advantages.

The Rockets finished with 55 rebounds, 26 assists and 14 made three-pointers. Phoenix finished with 34 rebounds, 15 assists and 7 made threes. Houston also recovered from a 16-point first-quarter deficit and exploded for 38 points in the fourth quarter.

Phoenix had its own strengths. The Suns shot 87 percent from the free-throw line, made 34 free throws, recorded 10 steals and blocked 7 shots. Those numbers show that the 119-105 defeat was not caused by a complete lack of positive contributions.

Instead, Houston won because its strongest advantages came in categories that affected possession volume and scoring efficiency. The 21-rebound edge, 11-assist advantage and seven additional three-pointers provided a more sustainable statistical foundation than Phoenix’s free-throw advantage.

The season context is equally important. Houston’s 4-0 record against Phoenix demonstrates that this was part of a broader matchup pattern rather than an isolated result.

For readers examining player statistics, the central lesson is straightforward: the leading scorer may explain who scored the most, but the complete box score explains why the team won.

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