Rockets Nation, January 5, 2026, just gave us the signature highlight of Kevin Durant’s Houston era – and one of the coldest revenge stories in NBA history! In a tense 100-97 nail-biter at Toyota Center against his former Phoenix Suns, KD called game with a clutch three-pointer from deep, sinking it with just seconds left to seal the victory. The Slim Reaper had the ball with 5.1 ticks on the clock, shook defenders, rose up, and buried the dagger – his first game-winner as a Rocket since the blockbuster summer trade from Phoenix.
But this wasn’t just any buzzer-beater: It broke an all-time NBA record! Durant now holds the most go-ahead threes in the final five seconds of games in recorded history – a fitting crown for one of the league’s greatest closers. Coming off a rough 1-of-11 night from deep before that shot, KD’s confidence never wavered: “All my three-pointers felt good leaving my hand… I kept telling the team I’m going to hit one at some point.” Teammate Amen Thompson called it “the best moment I’ve had as a Rocket” – high praise from a guy who hit his own game-winner vs. Boston last year.
The personal edge? Undeniable. Traded away after a frustrating Phoenix stint where he felt scapegoated, Durant waved off the Suns bench post-shot in that viral “get out of here” celebration. Extra sweet against the team that dealt him (for young pieces and picks). KD finished with 26 points, turning boos from past visits into MVP chants from his new home crowd.
Houston’s clutch struggles (7-9 in close games) have been a weak spot, but this record-breaker signals growth – especially with late-game execution improving around Durant’s presence. At 22-11, the Rockets are trending up, blending KD’s veteran killer instinct with the young core’s energy.
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