ORLANDO, Fla. – Kevin Durant scored 26 of his season-high 40 points in the second half, leading the Houston Rockets to a dramatic 113-108 comeback victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night. The Rockets erased a 19-point deficit in less than four minutes, showcasing a remarkable offensive surge that stunned the Amway Center crowd.
The win improves Houston’s record to 37-21, although Orlando falls to 31-27. The Rockets’ turnaround was fueled by a blistering shooting performance, particularly from beyond the arc, and a strong collective effort after halftime. This game marked a significant shift in momentum for Houston, who had struggled to find their rhythm in the first half.
Rockets Overcome Early Magic Dominance
The Orlando Magic appeared to be in control for much of the first three quarters, building a commanding lead thanks to a strong performance from Desmond Bane, who finished with 30 points, and Paolo Banchero, who contributed 19 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Bane was particularly effective in the first half, hitting all five of his three-point attempts. Orlando led 76-57 with 5:04 remaining in the third quarter after a dunk by Banchero, seemingly poised for a comfortable victory.
Sheppard Sparks Houston’s Comeback
Yet, the Rockets refused to concede. Sparked by a remarkable shooting display from rookie Reed Sheppard, Houston embarked on a 21-0 run that completely flipped the script. Sheppard, coming off the bench, scored 11 points during the run, connecting on three crucial three-pointers. This burst of energy ignited the Rockets’ offense and rattled the Magic.
“We just kept chipping away at it,” Durant said, according to ESPN. “We knew we were down, but we didn’t panic. We just focused on getting quality shots and playing solid defense.”
Durant Closes Out the Game
Despite a late push from Orlando, led by Bane, Durant took over in the fourth quarter, scoring seven consecutive points and assisting on a key layup by Alperen Sengun to provide Houston a 101-100 lead with 3:07 remaining. Durant finished the game with 40 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, demonstrating his continued dominance. Sengun added 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, providing valuable support.
The Rockets’ shooting efficiency dramatically improved in the second half, making 10 of their final 17 three-point attempts after struggling from beyond the arc earlier in the game. This turnaround in shooting was a key factor in their comeback victory.
Jalen Suggs Returns for Magic
The game as well marked the return of Jalen Suggs to the Orlando lineup after missing three games with back spasms. Suggs scored three points in 13 minutes off the bench, providing a spark for the Magic, though ultimately not enough to secure the win.
Looking Ahead
The Houston Rockets will continue their road trip on Saturday with a matchup against the Miami Heat. The Orlando Magic will return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Fans can find updated schedules and scores on ESPN.
The Rockets’ ability to overcome a significant deficit and secure a road win demonstrates their resilience and potential as a contender in the Western Conference. The Magic, despite the loss, remain a competitive team in the Eastern Conference, and will look to bounce back in their next game.
