Durant Scores 31 Points, Leads Fourth-Quarter Comeback as Rockets Beat Bucks 122–115

AP Photo/Morry Gash

MILWAUKEE — Kevin Durant delivered a vintage performance Sunday afternoon, scoring 31 points and sparking a late rally as the Houston Rockets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 122–115. Durant’s clutch shooting and leadership powered the Rockets to a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback after trailing for most of the game. Durant shot an efficient 11-for-15 from the field, adding a season-high seven assists. Center Alperen Şengün continued his strong play with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while Jabari Smith Jr. and rookie guard Reed Sheppard chipped in 16 points apiece. Houston, coming off a 121–110 loss to San Antonio two nights earlier, closed its three-game road trip on a high note. The Rockets have now won six of their last seven games and will return home for a three-game stretch.

For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a game-high 37 points and eight rebounds but struggled from the free-throw line in crunch time. Antetokounmpo made just one of four attempts in the final 89 seconds as Milwaukee faltered down the stretch, finishing 14 of 24 from the line overall. Guard Ryan Rollins added 19 points in the loss.

The Bucks led for most of the contest before Houston exploded for a 22–7 run over the final 4:33. Smith gave the Rockets their first lead since the opening period with a clutch three-pointer assisted by Durant at the 1:42 mark. Rollins answered with a driving layup to tie the game, but Durant responded moments later with a pull-up jumper that put Houston ahead for good. Antetokounmpo had a chance to even the score again at the line but missed both free throws. Şengün then sealed the victory with a driving layup and a three-point play with 23 seconds remaining, capping Houston’s comeback.

The win pushes the Rockets to 6–1 over their last seven games, showing growing chemistry between Durant and the team’s young core.

Up Next:Rockets: Host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.Bucks: Visit the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.