NBA Notes: Rockets, Kevin Durant, Clippers, Kobe Sanders, Warriors

Rockets

Facing his former team, Kevin Durant made sure the ending stung.

Durant drilled a game-winning three with one second remaining to lift the Rockets past the Suns on Monday, and he didn’t hide how much the moment meant.

“Most definitely,” Durant told reporters, per the Associated Press. “A place that I didn’t want to leave. My first time — I don’t want to sound too dramatic, but I will — to be kicked out of a place.”

Durant said the Suns’ decision to move on still fuels him competitively, even if there’s no lingering bitterness.

“It’s nothing but love for the players, but I want to beat that team,” he said. “I want to show them that I still got some juice in the tank.”

Phoenix’s much-hyped trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal never fully clicked, and trade talks involving Durant quietly surfaced before last year’s deadline.

Clippers

With James Harden sidelined by shoulder stiffness, Clippers rookie Kobe Sanders took advantage of an unexpected opportunity.

Sanders made his fourth career start and set or matched personal bests with 20 points, seven rebounds, and 36 minutes.

The second-round pick continues to strengthen his case for a full-time roster spot after opening the season on a two-way deal.

“His poise, his understanding of what we’re doing, and his confidence,” coach Tyronn Lue said, via the AP. “That’s what’s stood out.”

Warriors

Monday’s one-point loss to the Clippers boiled over for Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

Kerr was ejected after picking up two technical fouls while disputing several officiating decisions, including a missed goaltending call that crew chief Brian Forte later acknowledged should have been whistled.

Veteran assistant Terry Stotts finished the game on the bench and handled postgame media duties.

“I’m up here,” Stotts joked, “because I’m saving Steve some money.”