The Rockets badly needed a win Friday night and they got it thanks in large part to a big night from Fred VanVleet and second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr.
Houston defeated the Phoenix Suns 114-110 on the second night of back-to-back games coming out of the All-Star break. The Rockets were outscored in the first and fourth quarters, but in between, outscored Phoenix by 21 points.
VanVleet led the way with 23 points. Smith had 22 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. Alperen Sengun chipped in 17 points and 12 rebounds. Rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore each added 15 points off the bench.
Thompson was once again spectacular defensively with a pair of blocks. He also had 10 rebounds, including five offensive boards.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Devin Booker had 25 points. Bol Bol added 25 points and 14 rebounds off the bench.
The Rockets return to action Sunday when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center.
