Kevin Durant’s Absence Alters Rockets vs Suns Showdown
Monday’s matchup between the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns was eagerly anticipated for a multitude of reasons, primarily because it marked Kevin Durant’s first chance to go head-to-head with his former team. The game held special significance not just for Durant, but also for Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, who were set to face off against their previous organization, the Rockets, for the first time.
However, the excitement surrounding this anticipated homecoming has dissipated, as both Durant and Green will be sidelined. Brooks, who has a competitive edge and thrives on motivation, will still suit up against the Rockets. While he doesn’t harbor any ill feelings toward Houston—unlike his tumultuous exit from the Memphis Grizzlies—he will undoubtedly bring intensity to the court. Players often relish the opportunity to compete against a team that chose to move on from them, and Brooks is no exception.
Green’s situation is somewhat different. Although he expressed no bitterness about his trade to the Suns, which allowed Houston to acquire an all-time great in Durant, he too will be absent from the contest due to a hamstring injury. This is a disappointment for fans eager to see the dynamic young player, especially after his impressive debut with Phoenix, where he scored 29 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including a solid 6-of-13 from beyond the arc.
The absence of Durant is particularly notable. He will miss both the game against the Rockets and Wednesday’s contest against the Golden State Warriors, another of his former teams, due to a family matter. This news was confirmed by sources, leaving fans to wonder how these absences will impact both teams as they take the court in Phoenix.
As the Rockets and Suns prepare to clash, the stage is set for unanticipated dynamics. The absence of key players like Durant and Green adds an unexpected layer of complexity to a game that was once seen as a highlight of the season.
