© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns opened Tuesday’s matchup against the Houston Rockets hot, but couldn’t seal the deal as they suffered a season sweep at the hands of Houston in a 119-105 loss.
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Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) celebrates a three point shot alongside Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The storyline wasn’t just whether the Suns could avoid the sweep at the hands of the Rockets, but rather how they would perform in a highly emotional environment with the playoffs around the corner. With Kevin Durant making his way back to Phoenix for the first time since being traded by his former team to Houston, the crowd showed nothing but animosity to the former Sun.
Through lineup presentations and every bucket, the crowd at Mortgage Matchup Center made their presence known. With steals, blocks, and using the defensive identity they’ve built this season, Phoenix opened up a 21-point lead early in the first half — much to the delight of the Suns faithful. Even with two technical fouls, including one to Devin Booker, the club competed with one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
There was also some emotion between the players, as Durant jawed back and forth with Dillon Brooks at one point. Jalen Green and Amen Thompson, once teammates, also had words for each other.
As the lead shrank, leads exchanged, and both teams looked for the defining run to put the other away, the meaningful games head coach Jordan Ott has talked about since the All-Star break continue through the Valley. However, the Suns couldn’t finish what they started early on.
Defensive miscues by Phoenix and major contributions by Durant, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. fueled Houston’s comeback win. The Suns are now 43-36 this season.
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) controls the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Meaningful games are still ahead of Phoenix, but it may be on a different path than what they envisioned. Fans want to see their team succeed, and if Tuesday’s energy was of any indication, it’s that emotions can take a regular-season game to a playoff-like atmosphere.
Phoenix simply needs to find a way to take that early emotion and momentum into all four quarters, or risk slipping in the Western Conference rankings.
As Dwight Schrute once said…SPIN MOVE 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/Cm0o0OFdfu
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 8, 2026
The Suns play their second game of a back-to-back against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, April 8, at 7 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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