Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka highlighted his team’s collective effort following Friday night’s 117-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns at the Toyota Center. Udoka emphasized the versatility of stars like Kevin Durant, noting that the forward can be effective without always handling the ball directly.
Durant reached 31,024 career points during the game, becoming the eighth player in NBA history to surpass 31,000 points. “It’s incredible,” Udoka said, reflecting on Durant’s longevity and efficiency at the highest level.
Amen Thompson led Houston with a season-high 31 points, while Durant added 28. Udoka credited the team’s second-quarter surge, when Houston scored 44 points, to aggressive defense and converting 27 points off 23 Phoenix turnovers.
The Rockets’ offensive success came without heavy reliance on three-pointers, a strategy Udoka highlighted as a key factor in their balanced attack. “Take what the game gives us,” he said, noting that mid-range efficiency and attacking the basket helped the team maintain high scoring without forcing outside shots.
Udoka also praised the on-court chemistry between Durant and Reed Sheppard. “They just play really well off each other,” he said, pointing out how pick-and-rolls and spacing contributed to the third-quarter 16-2 run that put the game out of reach.
Phoenix’s Dillon Brooks started hot with 14 points in the first quarter but was limited to nine points over the final three quarters, thanks to Houston’s adjustments. Udoka stressed the importance of physical defense and sending Brooks toward his weaker side to slow the Suns’ offensive rhythm.
The Rockets dominated the boards 40-34 and shot 56% from the field, including 89% from the free-throw line. Udoka noted managing minutes for key players with a back-to-back on the schedule, keeping stars like Durant rested while maintaining team efficiency.
Houston improved to 15-5, marking five wins in six games, while Phoenix dropped to 13-10 after back-to-back losses. The Rockets travel to face the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, and the Suns visit Minnesota on Monday.
