Rockets Nation, talk about poetic justice! On January 5, 2026, at Toyota Center, Kevin Durant delivered the ultimate payback against his former Phoenix Suns squad in a heart-pounding 100-97 thriller, drilling a game-winning three-pointer with seconds ticking down from a 97-97 tie. The 37-year-old superstar, who led Houston with 26 points (plus assists and boards in a gritty performance), celebrated by waving off the Suns bench – signaling “get out of here” in a moment that went viral instantly. This wasn’t just a win; it was personal for KD, who felt scapegoated during his tumultuous 2.5-year stint in Phoenix before the offseason trade to Houston.
Kevin Durant got revenge on the Suns with a game-winning three.
Postgame, Durant didn’t hold back in his presser: “It feels good to play against a team that booted you out the building and scapegoated you for all of the problems that they had… A place I didn’t want to leave and my first time—I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but I will—to be kicked out of a place. I felt like I’d been scapegoated for the issues we had as a team last year, yeah it felt good to beat them and hit a game-winning shot… You play with a bit of a chip on your shoulder when you play your former team, especially when they trade you.”
He added the feeling was “for the moment” and he’d move on tomorrow – classic KD maturity. But tonight? Sweet, sweet revenge. Phoenix, now stumbling at 15-18, couldn’t contain Durant or the Rockets’ young guns: Alperen Şengün (double-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds), Amen Thompson (15 points, lockdown D), and Jabari Smith Jr. (key threes). Suns’ Devin Booker dropped 28, but Houston’s defense clamped late, forcing turnovers and sealing the deal.
This dub pushes the Rockets to 22-11, solidifying their West contender status – a far cry from the boos KD once faced in Houston as an opponent. Now embraced by the fanbase, he’s thriving (25.7 PPG on elite efficiency), and the vibes are immaculate. Next up: Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday – can they extend the streak?
Rockets fans, was this KD’s coldest moment ever? How satisfying was that wave-off? Is Houston title-bound with this fire?