Houston’s latest win delivered a twist no one expected, and the night unfolded with surprising clarity for a team still shaping its long-term identity. In the same smooth way a person might settle a simple routine after a Jeetbuzz Login before turning toward a more demanding task, the Rockets adjusted instantly to the absence of their starting center Alperen Sengun, who missed the game due to illness. His name has floated around in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, with many American outlets speculating that Sengun would be the primary asset if Houston ever made a serious push for the Milwaukee superstar. Yet in sharp contrast to those whispers, Amen Thompson remains firmly labeled untouchable, with general manager Rafael Stone publicly praising his fast, efficient command of the offense whenever he steps in as point guard.

Without Sengun anchoring the interior, the Rockets showed zero signs of hesitation. Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson—an unlikely but electric pairing—combined for 59 points and eight rebounds, overwhelming the Suns from start to finish. Former Rocket Dillon Brooks fought hard and dropped 23 points, but with minimal help from teammates, Phoenix never mounted a real threat. The game held special meaning for Durant, who missed the previous matchup against his old team and clearly didn’t want to let another opportunity slip. In just 32 minutes, he shot 11-for-17 for 28 points, added eight assists and three steals, and posted a game-high +29, steadying Houston on both ends like a pillar holding everything in place.

Even Durant’s strong night was overshadowed by Amen, who delivered the most explosive performance of his young career. Also logging 32 minutes, he hit 12 field goals—more than Durant—and finished with a career-best 31 points along with a team-leading +33. His repeated drives in the second quarter cracked open the Suns’ defense and completely flipped the momentum after a slow first period. Jabari Smith Jr. continued his upward trend as well, scoring 16 points on 5-for-8 shooting and matching Durant’s +29. Without Sengun’s low-post traffic, Houston’s transition attack ran noticeably faster, erupting for 44 second-quarter points.

But reducing Sengun’s value to one impressive game would be far too simplistic. Coach Ime Udoka has long identified him as the central hub of the offense. This season Sengun is averaging 24 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 7.1 assists with a remarkable 43 percent from three—numbers that evoke shades of a young Jokic. His growth hasn’t been limited to offense either; his EuroBasket defense showed tangible improvement, proving he is no longer a one-dimensional scorer. As for the Giannis rumors, they’ve grown increasingly detailed, even suggesting Houston might offer Sengun and two first-round picks. But the Rockets front office has repeatedly emphasized that both Sengun and Amen are foundational pieces, not trade chips to chase short-term fantasies.

The franchise still remembers how the Clippers once sacrificed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Paul George—only to regret it as SGA rose to MVP level while George declined. Houston has no intention of repeating that mistake. Even if Milwaukee were willing to deal, Giannis’ need for high usage and wide spacing would clash with a Rockets roster built around multiple ball-dominant creators like Amen and Durant. More importantly, the Rockets are already thriving at 15–5, sitting top-three in the West with young players such as Sengun, Amen, and Sheppard growing rapidly. Durant’s decision to sign an extension signaled his belief in the long-term plan, not a rush to throw every asset at a superstar.

Sengun’s playmaking remains the team’s rarest asset, and Amen’s breakout only widens Houston’s future pathways. For a team rising step by step, Jeetbuzz Login fits into the rhythm of a calm routine the same way patience fits into their championship blueprint. Betting everything on Giannis’ final peak makes far less sense than allowing this young core to mature naturally. Basketball isn’t won by stacking names but by building cohesion, and right now, letting Durant guide a growing group of fearless talents looks like Houston’s most reliable road toward contention.