HOUSTON — Kevin Durant scored 28 points on Friday night in Houston as he became the eighth player in NBA history to reach 31,000 career points while the Houston Rockets defeated the Phoenix Suns, 117-98, in his first game against his former team since a recent seven-team trade that sent Jalen Green and multiple players and assets between franchises.
Durant reached the 31,000-point milestone in the second half when he converted a mid-range jumper over a Rockets defender.
The NBA confirmed that Durant joined a list that includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to surpass 31,000 career points.
Durant led the Suns in scoring and played over 30 minutes while he shot efficiently from the field and from the free-throw line.
The Rockets built a double-digit lead in the second quarter and extended the advantage in the second half as they limited Phoenix’s perimeter shooting and forced turnovers.
Rockets starters and reserves contributed balanced scoring, with multiple players reaching double figures and the team converting a high percentage of its field-goal attempts.
Houston controlled the rebounding battle on both ends of the floor and generated second-chance points that widened the gap in the third quarter.
The Rockets’ defense held the Suns under 100 points and contested Phoenix’s three-point attempts throughout the game.
Phoenix used several lineup combinations in an effort to cut into the deficit, but Houston answered with timely baskets and defensive stops.
The seven-team trade that preceded the matchup sent Jalen Green away from Houston and reshaped both rosters, with the deal involving multiple teams, draft picks, and veteran players.
Durant faced his former Rockets teammates for the first time since that transaction and exchanged handshakes and greetings with several Houston players and staff before tipoff.
The Toyota Center crowd recognized Durant’s scoring milestone with an ovation when the public address announcer acknowledged his 31,000th career point during a timeout.
Durant spoke with teammates and opponents on the court following the final buzzer before both teams exited to their locker rooms.
The Rockets and Suns will meet again later in the regular season as part of their scheduled Western Conference matchups.
