Rockets Nation, if you thought Kevin Durant’s clutch gene faded after leaving Golden State in 2019, think again – the 37-year-old phenom just etched his name deeper into NBA history on January 5, 2026! In a heart-stopping 100-97 thriller against his former Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center, KD drained a game-winning three-pointer over Royce O’Neale with just 0.3 seconds left – tying the game at 97 before his dagger sealed the deal. But that’s not all: This bucket gave Durant the most go-ahead threes in the final five seconds of games in recorded NBA history, per Real App – a record even Michael Jordan couldn’t claim.
The sequence was pure poetry: Inbound from Jabari Smith Jr. with five seconds ticking, Durant shakes two defenders, pulls up from deep, and swish. The Toyota Center exploded as KD stood tall, waving off the Suns bench in that iconic “get out of here” taunt – revenge served ice-cold after Phoenix traded him last offseason. Durant finished with 26 points (on 9-of-20 shooting, including that clutch 3-of-8 from deep), plus rebounds and assists in a gritty effort. “I kept telling the team that I’m going to hit a three at some point,” he said postgame amid MVP chants. “By the grace of God, it was the last one.”
This wasn’t just any win – it was KD’s first true payback against the Suns since the blockbuster deal (Phoenix got young pieces and picks in return). Houston trailed by three entering the fourth but clawed back, with Şengün (double-double) and Thompson (defensive stops) playing key roles. Suns’ Devin Booker dropped 28, but couldn’t overcome Durant’s heroics.
In his Rockets debut season, Durant’s proving age is irrelevant: 25.7 PPG, 5.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists on elite efficiency (52.0% FG, 40.4% from three). The victory pushes Houston to 22-11, keeping them in the West’s upper echelon despite point guard questions. With young talent gelling around him, Durant’s elevating the franchise – and this record-breaking moment? Proof he’s still the ultimate closer.
Rockets fans, is this KD’s most savage revenge ever? Can he carry us to the Finals? How unreal has his Houston start been?