Kevin Durant had plenty left in the tank on a Thursday night in Orlando. The Houston Rockets trailed by 10 points at halftime before mounting a dominant second-half comeback, ultimately defeating the Orlando Magic 113-108 at Kia Center in front of 17,524 fans. A 38-point third quarter — one of the best single-period performances of the Rockets’ season — was the turning point, and Durant’s 40-point masterclass ensured Houston walked away with a statement road victory.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Magic Strike First — HOU 22, ORL 29
Orlando came out sharp at home, building an early seven-point cushion behind balanced scoring and active ball movement that generated 25 assists on the night. The Magic’s defense was disciplined, holding Houston to just 22 points in the opening frame. Desmond Bane was involved early, and the Kia Center crowd was fully behind their team from the opening tip.
Second Quarter: Magic Maintain Control — HOU 21, ORL 24
Houston made modest adjustments, but Orlando kept its foot on the gas through the second quarter, outscoring the Rockets 24-21 to carry a comfortable 53-43 lead into halftime. The Magic’s three-point shooting (40.5% for the game on 37 attempts) was a consistent weapon, and their 40 team rebounds kept possessions alive. At the break, everything was trending in Orlando’s direction.
Third Quarter: Rockets Explode — HOU 38, ORL 27
This is where the game changed entirely. Houston erupted for 38 third-quarter points — the kind of output that erases halftime deficits in a hurry. The Rockets shot 52.4% from the field for the game, and that efficiency clearly peaked in the third. Durant was unstoppable in isolation, and the Magic’s defense, which had been so effective through two quarters, had no answer. Houston outscored Orlando 38-27 in the period and took a lead into the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Rockets Hold On — HOU 32, ORL 28
Orlando fought back in the final frame, outscoring Houston 28-32 in a competitive fourth quarter that kept the crowd engaged until the final buzzer. The Magic trimmed the lead at points, but Houston was methodical down the stretch, converting 80% of their free throw attempts (16-of-20 for the game) to protect the margin. Orlando’s 61.9% free throw shooting (13-of-21) proved costly in the closing minutes, leaving points on the board that they could not afford to miss.
Key Performers
Kevin Durant — Houston Rockets: 40 PTS, 8 REB
Durant was the best player on the floor from start to finish. His 40-point, 8-rebound performance was a reminder of exactly why Houston made the move to bring him in. Operating against multiple defenders and generating efficient looks in the midrange and at the rim, Durant carried the Rockets offensively when they needed it most. His third-quarter dominance was the catalyst for the comeback, and he closed the game without flinching under pressure.
Alperen Sengun — Houston Rockets: 5 AST (team-high)
Sengun led the Rockets in assists with five, showcasing his playmaking ability out of the post and pick-and-roll. His ability to find teammates while also putting pressure on the paint helped open up Houston’s offense, particularly during that decisive third quarter.
Desmond Bane — Orlando Magic: 30 PTS, 6 REB
Bane was Orlando’s most reliable scorer on the night, posting 30 points on what was clearly an efficient shooting performance from the perimeter. He earned the team’s top rating among Magic players and kept Orlando competitive throughout, particularly in the first half. Despite his efforts, he didn’t get enough support late to overcome Durant’s big night.
Paolo Banchero — Orlando Magic: 8 REB, 9 AST
Banchero did not lead the Magic in scoring on this night, but his 9 assists and 8 rebounds reflected a well-rounded performance. His passing kept Orlando’s offense moving and his rebounding presence helped the Magic secure 40 boards on the night. He’ll want to look back at the fourth quarter and find ways to be more of a scoring force when the game is on the line.
Game Analysis
This game came down to one quarter: the third. Houston’s 38-point period was the difference-maker, and it highlighted a persistent challenge for the Magic — sustaining defensive intensity across a full 48 minutes. Orlando built a strong first-half structure, taking care of the ball (25 assists, 88 field goal attempts), shooting well from three, and controlling the pace. But the Rockets made halftime adjustments and came out of the locker room with a level of aggression the Magic simply couldn’t match.
Houston’s shooting efficiency tells the clearest story: 52.4% from the field against 45.5% for Orlando. The Rockets also had a slight edge on the glass (41 rebounds to Orlando’s 40) and were significantly better from the free throw line. Those margins, combined with Durant’s individual brilliance, were enough to flip the outcome despite the 10-point halftime deficit.
Orlando’s free throw struggles were also a factor worth noting. Going 13-of-21 (61.9%) from the line when possessions are at a premium in the fourth quarter is a recipe for a narrow loss, and that’s exactly what the Magic suffered.
Standings and Implications
With the win, the Houston Rockets improve to 37-21 on the season — one of the better records in the Western Conference — and now hold a 17-14 mark on the road, a strong indicator of a team built to compete in hostile environments. The Magic fall to 31-27, a respectable mark in the Eastern Conference, but one that underscores the need for more consistent performances at home, where they are now 18-11. For Houston, this road win continues to validate their standing as a legitimate contender, while Orlando will need to regroup quickly and address their second-half defensive lapses as the playoff picture becomes clearer. This game was broadcast nationally on Prime Video, giving both franchises a platform to make a statement — and on this night, it was the Rockets who delivered.
