Rockets (13-4) crush Jazz as Kevin Durant makes uber-efficient return

The Rockets closed out an 11-2 November with Sunday’s 129-101 victory (box score) at Utah. Houston (13-4) has now won 13 of its last 15 games, overall, while the Jazz (6-13) have lost five of six.

Coming off a two-game absence for personal reasons, All-Star forward Kevin Durant returned to Houston’s lineup and quickly made his presence felt with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Playing only three quarters due to the score, Durant made 10-of-14 shots (71.4%), including 3-of-4 from 3-point range (75.0%).

In his previous two games, Durant had shot just 33.3% overall and 18.2% on 3-pointers, but that flipped in a big way after having more than a week off between games.

With a much-improved defense, the Rockets are holding opponents to an average of below 100 points per game over their past three victories.

Beyond Durant, statistics for other key players included:

• Alperen Sengun: 27 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds; 10-of-15 shooting (66.7%), 7-of-9 on free throws (77.8%)

• Jabari Smith Jr.: 15 points, 3 assists; 5-of-8 shooting (62.5%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%), +33 in 27 minutes

• Reed Sheppard: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks; 4-of-8 shooting (50.0%); +33 in 31 minutes

• Steven Adams: 13 points, 12 rebounds; 2-of-4 shooting (50.0%), 9-of-10 on free throws (90.0%)

• Amen Thompson: 5 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds; 2-of-8 shooting (25.0%)

• Lauri Markkanen (Jazz): 18 points, 8 rebounds; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 1-of-5 on 3-pointers (20.0%), 7-of-7 on free throws

• Keyonte George (Jazz): 0 points, 2 assists, 8 turnovers; 0-for-6 shooting

“I loved the command he had over the offense, and how he guarded tonight,” Durant said of the 21-year-old Sheppard, who remained a backcourt starter. “It’s just going to be a process, and I think these last few weeks, Reed has shown that he can play off-ball and on-ball. He can guard up, get steals, rebound, and we’re going to need him to continue getting better.”

Defensively, seven combined steals from Sheppard and Durant set a tone on a night when Houston forced Utah into 17 turnovers.

Next up is night two of a back-to-back from the same building, as the Rockets and Jazz will meet again on Monday. Tipoff from Salt Lake City’s Delta Center is at 8:00 p.m. Central, and the game will be televised regionally on Space City Home Network and nationally via NBA League Pass.

More: After brief absence, Kevin Durant rejoins Rockets’ lineup in Utah

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets (13-4) crush Jazz as Kevin Durant makes uber-efficient return