MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 31 points and made a tiebreaking basket with 1:42 remaining to put the Houston Rockets ahead for good in a 122-115 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday.
Houston bounced back from a 121-110 loss at San Antonio two nights earlier as it ended a three-game trip. The Rockets, who have won six of their last seven games, are now at home for their next three matchups.
Durant was efficient throughout the game, shooting 11 of 15 from the floor and recording a season-high seven assists. Alperen Sengun contributed significantly with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Jabari Smith and Reed Sheppard each added 16 points for Houston.
For Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 37 points and eight rebounds but struggled at the foul line late, going 1 of 4 in the game’s final 89 seconds. The Bucks collectively shot 14 of 24 from the free-throw line. Ryan Rollins also had a strong performance, scoring 19 points.
The Rockets trailed for most of the contest before outscoring Milwaukee 22-7 over the final 4 minutes and 33 seconds. Smith gave Houston a 113-111 lead with a 3-pointer assisted by Durant with 1:42 left, marking their first lead since the opening period. Rollins quickly responded with a driving layup to tie the game 25 seconds later.
Durant then hit a crucial pull-up jumper to put the Rockets back ahead with 1:42 remaining. Antetokounmpo had a chance to tie the game after being fouled with 1:29 left but missed both free throws. Sengun extended Houston’s lead to 117-113 with a basket at the 1:09 mark.
Antetokounmpo converted the first of two free throws with 38 seconds remaining to bring the Bucks within three points but missed the second. Sengun sealed the victory with a driving layup while getting fouled, completing a three-point play with 23 seconds left.
Up Next
- Rockets: Host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
- Bucks: Visit the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
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AP NBA