{"id":704716,"date":"2026-04-08T06:22:54","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T06:22:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/704716\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T06:22:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T06:22:54","slug":"phoenix-suns-fiery-start-extinguished-by-houston-rockets-in-emotional-matchup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/704716\/","title":{"rendered":"Phoenix Suns fiery start extinguished by Houston Rockets in emotional matchup"},"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 The Phoenix Suns opened Tuesday\u2019s matchup against the Houston Rockets hot, but couldn\u2019t seal the deal as they suffered a season sweep at the hands of Houston in a 119-105 loss.<\/p>\n

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

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<\/p>\n

The storyline wasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019ve built this season, Phoenix opened up a 21-point lead early in the first half \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t finish what they started early on.<\/p>\n

Defensive miscues by Phoenix and major contributions by Durant, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. fueled Houston\u2019s comeback win. The Suns are now 43-36 this season.<\/p>\n

\"Apr<\/p>\n

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) controls the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jae\u2019Sean Tate (8) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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\u2019s energy was of any indication, it\u2019s that emotions can take a regular-season game to a playoff-like atmosphere.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

As Dwight Schrute once said\u2026SPIN MOVE \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/Cm0o0OFdfu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The Suns play their second game of a back-to-back against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, April 8, at 7 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

Satou Sabally reportedly turns the page on time with Phoenix Mercury<\/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