HOUDevelopment𝕏 Beat2h

Natural scorer still finding balance between hunting shots and creating for teammates in pick-and-roll.

“He's a scorer naturally, but a guy that handles quite a bit. And so you need to obviously learn those things, especially when you're playing with really good scorers... he's dynamic in the pick-and-roll. But you have to find that balance of when to look for your shot and when to find the pocket, find the skip pass, getting guys involved. And I think he's still doing that.”

HOUKevin DurantDevelopmentReviewed𝕏 Beat1d

Ime Udoka says Kevin Durant's dip in volume is by design with Houston's young players growing into bigger roles.

“Yes, to have that balance is better. It’s more ideal for sure. And, like I said, not having to rely on one person or play one specific style is beneficial. But still want him to be who he is, be aggressive and take what the game gives him. Obviously one of the best scorers and draws a lot of attention that gets guys open. So want him to be aggressive there. But as our young guys grow and improve and get better, it’s kind of a shift you’re going to have. And they’re going to be more aggressive. He wanted that coming in, you know, with guys to be themselves and he’ll fit in and do what he does. And I think that’s what you’re kind of seeing this year.”

HOUKevin DurantGameplanReviewed𝕏 Beat1d

Ime Udoka says Kevin Durant's dip in volume is by design with Houston's young players growing into bigger roles.

“Yes, to have that balance is better. It’s more ideal for sure. And, like I said, not having to rely on one person or play one specific style is beneficial. But still want him to be who he is, be aggressive and take what the game gives him. Obviously one of the best scorers and draws a lot of attention that gets guys open. So want him to be aggressive there. But as our young guys grow and improve and get better, it’s kind of a shift you’re going to have. And they’re going to be more aggressive. He wanted that coming in, you know, with guys to be themselves and he’ll fit in and do what he does. And I think that’s what you’re kind of seeing this year.”

PHXGameplan𝕏 Beat1h

Ott says Phoenix must keep Houston's one-on-one defenders out of the action and win the possession game against their elite rebounding.

“definitely the size, you know, and the way they've been shooting the basketball too. So they have a little bit of everything offensively and defensively. They've been elite so far this year. It's always the glass with them, offensive rebounding. And then defensively they're such great one-on-one on-ball defenders, trying to keep them out of the action the best we can, and then trying to win the possession game because, again, they rebound so well on both ends.”

PHXDevelopment𝕏 Beat1h

Ott credits Fred VanVleet with giving Houston a calming veteran presence.

“A lot. It feels like a lot. Just more of a calming presence, veteran leader, and then an elite three-point shooter. He has to threat every time he's with the basketball and to make the right play or to shoot it. Just kind of settles him down at times. And he's just been through every situation possible. So defensively he's able to hold his own and offensively he's really able to orchestrate.”

PHXDillon Brooks · Miles Bridges · Oso Ighodaro · Jalen Green · Devin BookerNews𝕏 Beat1h

Suns starting five vs. Rockets: Brooks, Bridges, Ighodaro, Green, Booker.

“PHOENIX SUNS vs. HOUSTON ROCKETS STARTING LINEUPS – NOVEMBER 7, 2026”