The Houston Rockets didn’t just beat the Phoenix Suns on November 24, 2025 — they dismantled them. At the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, the Rockets rolled to a 114-92 victory, turning what was expected to be a tight Western Conference clash into a statement win. The architect? Amen Thompson, the 21-year-old guard who delivered a career-defining performance: 28 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds, and lockdown defense that disrupted the Suns’ rhythm. It wasn’t just his scoring — it was his presence. The kind that makes opponents rethink their game plan.
A Night of Balanced Domination
The Rockets didn’t rely on one superstar. They relied on depth, pace, and precision. Aaron Holiday, the 27-year-old bench sparkplug, exploded for 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including a blistering 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. His quick trigger — described by commentators as “Holiday quick trigger bottoms” — kept the Suns guessing. When Amen Thompson drove and dished, Holiday was ready. One moment, the Suns were cutting the lead to three. The next, Holiday drained a three from the corner, pushing it back to 12. The momentum never returned.
Defensively, Houston was relentless. Thompson didn’t just score — he hounded Dillon Brooks, the Suns’ leading scorer with 29 points, into tough, contested shots. “Good close out by Amen Thompson to take Brooks out of that shooting rhythm,” one analyst noted. Brooks, usually a terror in isolation, looked frustrated. He finished with 29, but it took 22 shots to get there. The Rockets held the Suns to just 17 points in the fourth quarter — a collapse that sealed their fate.
The Fast Break That Broke the Game
Here’s the twist: Phoenix entered the game on a back-to-back, having played the night before. Houston? They’d rested. And it showed. The Rockets turned defense into offense with terrifying efficiency, outscoring the Suns 16-4 in fast break points. Jabari Smith Jr. turned a steal into a coast-to-coast slam that stretched the lead to 15 — a moment that silenced the home crowd. “Smith coast to coast, man,” the broadcast yelled. It wasn’t just athleticism; it was timing, discipline, and execution.
Even the role players delivered. Isaiah Goodwin, a quiet guard who averages under 10 minutes per game, hit 38% of his threes — a crucial stretch that kept Phoenix’s defense honest. Steven Adams, the 31-year-old New Zealand center, brought physicality inside, holding the paint against Jusuf Nurkić and forcing the Suns to settle for mid-range jumpers they couldn’t make.
The Absence That Changed Everything
Let’s be honest: the Suns were already playing with one hand tied behind their back. Kevin Durant, their 37-year-old superstar, was sidelined — a fact that Jabari Smith Jr. didn’t let go unremarked. “Yeah, we don’t have a guy named Kevin Durant playing,” Smith said, smirking after the game. “Maybe you’ve heard of him.” It was a jab, yes. But also truth. Phoenix’s offense sputtered without Durant’s gravity. Their ball movement looked sluggish. Their late-game execution? Nonexistent.
Meanwhile, the Rockets, who lost James Harden to retirement last summer, have quietly rebuilt. They’re not flashy. They’re not dependent on one name. They’re a team. And they’re 11-4 — second only to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference. The Suns? At 11-7, they’re now tied for third with San Antonio, but they’ve lost two in a row. And they’re running out of time to find their identity.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Rockets continue their road trip on November 26, 2025, in Denver — a true test against a Nuggets team that’s been playing elite basketball. But this win in Phoenix? It’s a confidence builder. They’ve now won five of their last six games. They’re clicking. They’re balanced. They’re dangerous.
The Suns, meanwhile, host the Sacramento Kings on November 25 — a game they *have* to win. But without Durant, and with their bench struggling to generate offense, they’re looking vulnerable. Their defense, once elite, is now porous. Their ball movement? Stagnant. And their coach? Under increasing pressure.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another November win. It’s a signpost. The Rockets are no longer the young team trying to find their way. They’re a contender. Amen Thompson isn’t just a prospect — he’s a cornerstone. Holiday isn’t just a shooter — he’s a weapon. And this team? They’re playing with a swagger that’s hard to fake.
For the Suns, it’s a wake-up call. You can’t win in the West without your best player. And you can’t win with a lineup that looks like it’s still figuring out who’s supposed to take the last shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Amen Thompson’s performance compare to other young guards in the NBA this season?
Amen Thompson’s 28-point, 8-assist, 7-rebound line on November 24, 2025, ranked among the top three performances by any guard under 22 this season. Only Paolo Banchero (31 points, 10 rebounds vs. Warriors) and Victor Wembanyama (29 points, 11 rebounds vs. Pelicans) had better all-around outputs. What sets Thompson apart is his defensive impact — he’s the only 21-year-old in the league averaging over 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game this season.
Why did the Phoenix Suns collapse in the fourth quarter?
The Suns scored just 17 points in the final quarter — their lowest output of the season. They went 5-of-21 from the field, including 1-of-9 from three. With Kevin Durant out, no one could create a clean shot. Jusuf Nurkić was double-teamed every time he touched the ball, and the perimeter shooters (Goodwin, Landale) were left wide open but couldn’t capitalize. Houston’s defensive rotations, led by Thompson and Holiday, turned every drive into a contested shot.
What’s the significance of Houston’s 16-4 fast break advantage?
A 16-4 margin in fast break points is rare — it’s the largest differential in the NBA this season. It reflects Houston’s transition game, which now ranks second in the league. They forced 13 turnovers, mostly from Suns’ careless passes and slow rotations. Their ability to push the pace after rebounds and steals has turned them from a mid-tier team into a top-three contender in the West.
How has the Rockets’ record changed since James Harden’s retirement?
After Harden left in 2024, Houston went 28-54 in the 2024-2025 season. This year, they’re 11-4 through 15 games — a 40-win pace. Their offensive rating has jumped from 112.1 to 118.7, and their defensive rating improved from 116.4 to 109.8. The turnaround is due to better coaching, improved chemistry, and the emergence of Thompson, Smith, and Holiday as a core trio — no longer relying on one superstar.
Is Kevin Durant’s absence the main reason the Suns are struggling?
Not the only reason, but the most critical. Without Durant, Phoenix’s offense drops from 119.2 points per 100 possessions to 108.4. Their win probability in close games falls from 72% to 41%. They’re 3-5 without him this season. While injuries to Deandre Ayton and Josh Okogie haven’t helped, Durant’s absence has exposed a lack of playmaking depth — a problem they’ve ignored since trading for Bradley Beal.
What does this win mean for the Rockets’ playoff chances?
This win solidifies Houston as a top-four seed in the West. At 11-4, they’re now ahead of the Suns, Spurs, and Grizzlies. With a favorable schedule over the next three weeks — only two games against top-5 teams — they could reach 15-4 by mid-December. If they maintain this pace, they’ll host a first-round playoff series for the first time since 2019. The foundation is no longer being built — it’s already here.