Kevin Durant delivered a 40-point performance to guide the Houston Rockets to a 113-108 comeback victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.
Houston overturned a 19-point third-quarter deficit, using a decisive 21-0 run to seize control and secure their third consecutive win.
Third-Quarter Surge Turns the Game
The Rockets trailed 53-43 at halftime and fell further behind when Orlando extended its lead to 19 midway through the third quarter.
Rookie Reed Sheppard sparked the turnaround with 20 points, knocking down five three-pointers. Three of those came during the decisive run that flipped a 19-point deficit into a 78-76 advantage.
Josh Okogie added a late three-pointer to give Houston an 81-80 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Durant Closes It Out
When Orlando threatened to regain control, Durant took over. After the Magic built a five-point lead midway through the final quarter, he scored five straight points to tie the game at 97-97.
Alperen Sengun followed with consecutive layups, and Sheppard added another three-pointer to stretch Houston’s lead to six with under two minutes remaining.
Durant also carried the Rockets earlier, scoring their final eight points of the first half.
Magic Fall Short Despite Strong Performances
Orlando was led by Desmond Bane, who scored 30 points, including five first-half three-pointers.
Paolo Banchero contributed 19 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, while Wendell Carter Jr. added 16 points, and Jevon Carter finished with 14.
Despite entering halftime in control, the Magic were unable to recover after Houston’s explosive third-quarter surge.
Key Contributions Seal the Win
Sengun finished with 16 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 13 to support Durant’s standout display.
The victory marks one of Houston’s most dramatic comeback wins of the season, powered by Durant’s decisive scoring and a momentum-shifting third quarter.
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