Phoenix Suns superstar guard Devin Booker during media day ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) poses for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For the first time in the 2025-26 NBA season, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant played against each other. After the latter was traded during the summer, their two-and-a-half seasons as teammates with the Phoenix Suns came to an end. On Monday, they met as opponents, with Durant leading the Houston Rockets to a 100-97 win.
The Suns were coming off a huge 108-105 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Booker delivered the game-winning 3-pointer that sent the defending champions packing. Unfortunately for the former Kentucky player, he couldn’t replicate the same moment against the Rockets.
Durant knocked down the game-clinching shot from beyond the arc and waved goodbye to his former team.
Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker reacts after making a shot while being fouled.
Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker reacts after making a shot while being fouled.
After the game, Booker was asked by Arizona Central’s Duane Rankin about what it felt like facing his former co-star. The four-time All-Star delivered a heartfelt message and highlighted how Durant left a positive influence on him.
“It’s always a pleasure. He’s done so much for this game. He’s done so much for me personally,” Booker said. “Any chance I can be out there with one of my idols, somebody that I have a high respect for, there’s nothing like it. That’s all you can ask for.”
Together, Booker and Durant led the Suns to two playoff appearances. However, the deepest they reached as a pair was the Western Conference semifinals. In their final year together, Phoenix missed the postseason.
Booker and Durant will meet for the final time this season on April 7. It could be the first time that the two-time All-Star Game MVP will play in front of the Phoenix crowd.