UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Kevin Durant propelled the Houston Rockets to a stunning 122-115 comeback victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. With just 1:42 left in the game, Durant scored the clutch basket that sealed the win, marking a pivotal moment in the Rockets’ season.
The Rockets, fresh off a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, showcased resilience by winning six of their last seven games. This win also ends a challenging three-game road trip, setting the stage for a favorable home stretch where they will play their next three games at home.
Durant led the charge with 31 points, shooting an impressive 11 of 15 from the field and dishing out a season-high seven assists. Teammate Alperen Sengun also shone brightly, contributing 23 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Rising stars Jabari Smith and Reed Sheppard each added 16 points to the Rockets’ total.
On the opposing side, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 37 points and eight rebounds, but his performance was marred by struggles from the free-throw line, where he went 1 of 4 in the game’s critical moments. The Bucks finished with a disappointing 14 of 24 from the line.
As the game unfolded, the Rockets faced a significant deficit but rallied in the final minutes, outpacing the Bucks 22-7 in the last 4 minutes, 33 seconds. Smith’s pivotal three-pointer gave Houston their first lead since the opening quarter.
“We stayed focused and never gave up,” Durant said after the game. “It’s all about how you finish.”
After Smith’s three-pointer put the Rockets ahead, Milwaukee’s Ryan Rollins quickly tied the game with a layup. However, Durant’s pull-up jumper regained the lead for Houston. In a dramatic turn, Antetokounmpo had a chance to equalize but missed both of his free throws after being fouled.
Sengun capitalized on the Bucks’ misstep, extending the lead to 117-113 with just over a minute left. Although Antetokounmpo managed to hit one of his two free throws late in the game, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Rockets’ momentum.
The Rockets will look to maintain their winning streak when they host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Bucks will attempt to rebound as they visit the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
This game not only highlights the Rockets’ potential but also sets the stage for an exciting finish to the NBA season as teams jockey for playoff positioning.
