Kevin Durant scored 35 points and Alperen Sengun added 30 points and 12 rebounds as the Houston Rockets rallied to a 117-113 overtime victory against the Orlando Magic on Sunday at the Toyota Center. The Rockets improved to 9-3 while Orlando fell to 7-7 in a game that showcased clutch plays down the stretch.
Orlando led by a point late in overtime before Amen Thompson dunked off an assist from Durant to give Houston the lead. Jabari Smith Jr. then blocked Franz Wagner, setting up Durant’s step-back jumper with 9.2 seconds left to push the Rockets ahead 113-110.
Wagner hit two free throws to bring Orlando within one, but Reed Sheppard answered with two of his own to make it 115-112. Wendell Carter Jr. made a free throw but was called for a lane violation, leaving Houston with a 115-113 advantage. Thompson then sealed the win with two final free throws.
The Rockets overcame an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, with Durant tying the game at 100 with a 3-pointer with 21.4 seconds remaining in regulation. Sengun blocked Desmond Bane’s layup with 5.3 seconds left, and after a successful challenge by Houston, Sengun scored a driving basket just before the buzzer to send the game into overtime at 102-all.
For the Magic, Wagner posted a season-high 29 points while Bane added 26 despite Orlando missing key contributors Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs due to groin injuries. Anthony Black scored a crucial dunk in regulation, but missed a free throw after being fouled, allowing Houston another opportunity.
The Rockets shot 42% from the field and 40% from three-point range while dominating the boards with 60 rebounds. Orlando made 42% of their shots and 32% from beyond the arc, struggling to maintain leads in crucial moments.
Houston now heads to Cleveland on Wednesday, while Orlando returns home to face Golden State on Tuesday. The Rockets have won four straight games, fueled by the scoring tandem of Durant and Sengun, who continue to define Houston’s early-season success.
