HOUSTON – It was a hard-fought contest in the first half, as the Phoenix Suns came out hot in the beginning but let Houston back into it as they trail the Rockets by a score of 58 to 58 at halftime.
Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) walks on the court before the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Coming out strong and hitting their shots early, the Suns had a 31-24 lead over the Rockets at the end of the first quarter. Dillon Brooks took over as the leading scorer for the Suns and shot 8-for-16 with 18 points in the first half. With no Devin Booker or Jalen Green in the lineup Friday night, Brooks stepping up was a must. Not only was his offense on point, but Brooks’ defense on Kevin Durant was draining him. Although, Durant caught on and was able to figure out a workaround as he shot 8-for-13 and had 21 points in the first half.
Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) scores a basket as Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (12) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
It was another half of basketball where if the Suns win the turnover battle, they have all the momentum going their way. Houston had a total of 11 turnovers compared to Phoenix’s 7, and the Suns were able to capitalize massively on that, as they are one of the most threatening teams in transition.
Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Josh Okogie (20) shoots the ball as Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The role players and depth are showing night in and night out that they are hustling and competing at the highest level. Collin Gillespie ended the first half with 8 points as well although the Suns trail the Rockets at halftime. If the Suns can keep up winning the transition battle, contain Durant on offense, and rely on their depth to help our Dillon Brooks on offense, they will have a good shot to come back and come out with a victory on Friday night in Houston.