{"id":704445,"date":"2026-04-08T02:59:39","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T02:59:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/704445\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T02:59:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T02:59:39","slug":"jordan-ott-welcomes-emotional-stakes-as-phoenix-suns-prep-for-kevin-durant-houston-rockets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/704445\/","title":{"rendered":"Jordan Ott welcomes emotional stakes as Phoenix Suns prep for Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a9 Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

PHOENIX \u2014 Kevin Durant is making his way back to Mortgage Matchup Center for the first time since being traded by the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in the offseason.<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
\n\"Jan<\/p>\n

Jan 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles against Phoenix Suns forward Royce O\u2019Neale (00) in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Durant missed the first encounter between the Suns and Rockets on Nov. 24 due to a personal matter, making Tuesday\u2019s matchup his first time back in the arena he played in for three seasons. The Houston All-Star was sent to Texas in a trade by Phoenix for Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, who have both been pivotal pieces for the club this season.<\/p>\n

Suns fans have had mixed emotions when Kevin Durant is mentioned \u2014 some good and some bad. Phoenix and Houston\u2019s matchup will only revisit that history, which the fanbase hasn\u2019t forgotten.<\/p>\n

\"Suns\"<\/p>\n

Dec 15, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots a technical foul against the New York Knicks in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

Suns head coach Jordan Ott, who joined Phoenix in that same offseason shakeup, said emotions are now expected from his group. He believes Phoenix is well-prepared for whatever comes on the emotional side, noting that these meaningful games excite the Suns.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve talked about it all March and April, really since the All-Star break,\u201d Ott said pregame when asked about the emotions fans will bring when they take on the Rockets. \u201cWe put ourselves in a position to play meaningful games. Now, as we have four left, and we know these mean even more. All those nights where you have two teams playing meaningful games, that atmosphere is going to ramp it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe put ourselves in a position to play meaningful games. We have four left, and we know these mean even more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suns head coach Jordan Ott on his team\u2019s excitement to play in emotional environments as Kevin Durant returns to the Valley for the first time since his trade.
\ud83c\udfa5:\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/w4Ep82hqGK<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) April 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

While the Rockets have clinched their own playoff berth, the Suns are still playing for theirs. They are currently No. 7 in the Western Conference and three games back of the No. 6 seed. Any loss could keep them in the play-in tournament, while a win would keep their playoff hopes alive.<\/p>\n

Despite the pressure from competition and the reception Durant will receive from the fanbase, Ott firmly believes nights like Tuesday will show how Phoenix handles pressure from an emotional atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\"Phoenix<\/p>\n

Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to be in those games,\u201d said Ott. \u201cIt\u2019s going to really determine where we are going into the playoffs, but it\u2019s also giving us reps for those playoff games. That\u2019s what we\u2019re excited about.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Suns and Rockets tip off on Tuesday, April 7, at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE<\/a> to unlock our premium content!*
\nWendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde<\/p>\n

Dillon Brooks wants LeBron James in a dream one-on-one, and fans love it<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t