Rockets Stage Epic Comeback to Force Overtime
The Houston Rockets, led by superstar Kevin Durant, secured a hard-fought 117-113 overtime victory against the visiting Orlando Magic in a thrilling NBA contest on Monday, November 17, 2025 (Philippine Time). The Rockets had to claw their way back from a significant deficit to force the extra period and ultimately claim the win.
Durant and Sengun's Heroic Performance
Kevin Durant exploded for a game-high 35 points, while his teammate Alperen Sengun delivered a massive double-double with 30 points and 12 rebounds to anchor the Rockets' effort. The team found itself consistently playing catch-up throughout the game and was staring at a daunting 14-point hole in the fourth quarter. It was then that the duo of Durant and Sengun combined forces to ignite a crucial rally.
The comeback culminated in a heart-stopping final 25 seconds of regulation. Durant first scored to tie the game. Then, with a mere 0.2 seconds left on the clock, Alperen Sengun made another clutch basket to tie the score once again, sending the electrified home crowd into a frenzy and forcing the game into overtime.
A Nail-Biting Finish in Overtime
The overtime period was a tense, back-and-forth affair. The Rockets finally managed to create a small cushion when Kevin Durant sank a mid-range jumper, giving Houston a three-point lead with just 10 seconds remaining. With the Magic not yet in the penalty situation, the Rockets smartly employed a foul strategy, running down the clock and preventing Orlando from attempting a potential game-tying three-pointer.
Earlier in the game, Durant had given the Rockets their first lead since the latter part of the fourth quarter, 95-94, with a three-pointer at the 2:49 mark of regulation. The two teams then traded blows in a gripping sequence. Another Durant three with 21.9 seconds left tied the game at 100-100. Orlando's Anthony Black then scored on the return play to put the Magic back up 102-100 with only 1.7 seconds left, setting the stage for Sengun's dramatic game-tying basket.
Supporting the star duo, Reed Sheppard contributed 16 points for the Rockets. Amen Thompson added 12 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Aaron Holiday chipped in 10 points apiece. With this victory, the Rockets improved their impressive record to 9-3.
For the Orlando Magic, who fell to a 7-7 record, Franz Wagner led the charge with 29 points. Desmond Bane supported him with 26 points, Anthony Black had 18, and Wendell Carter Jr. scored 15. Tristan da Silva also contributed in the losing effort.
