Kevin Durant Inspires Dramatic Rockets Comeback Victory Over Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, 27 February 2026 – Kevin Durant delivered a vintage performance on Thursday night, scoring a season-high 40 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 113-108 comeback victory against the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center.
Durant Dominates as Houston Erases 19-Point Deficit
The Houston Rockets (36-21) appeared to be heading for a comfortable defeat after falling behind by 19 points midway through the third quarter. Following a dunk by Orlando’s Paolo Banchero that put the Magic up 76-57, the Rockets ignited a stunning 21-0 run in just over three minutes to seize control of the contest.
Durant was the catalyst for the turnaround, scoring 26 of his 40 points in the second half. The veteran forward added eight rebounds and three assists to his tally, shooting 14-of-28 from the field. Rookie guard Reed Sheppard also played a pivotal role during the decisive third-quarter surge, helping Houston secure a season sweep over Orlando following their overtime win in November.
For the Magic (31-26), the loss marks a disappointing return to Florida following their West Coast road trip. Despite strong defensive pressure early on, Orlando struggled with offensive execution during the Rockets’ late-game blitz, failing to contain Houston’s transition play.
Match Statistics and Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Houston Rockets 113 – 108 Orlando Magic |
| Top Scorer | Kevin Durant (40 Points, Season High) |
| Key Run | 21-0 Rockets run in the 3rd Quarter |
| All-Time H2H Record | Rockets: 42 wins | Magic: 32 wins |
| Venue | Kia Center, Orlando |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the turning point of the Magic vs Rockets game?
The turning point occurred with 5:04 remaining in the third quarter. After trailing by 19 points, the Rockets executed a 21-0 scoring run over the final minutes of the period to take the lead entering the fourth quarter.
How many points did Kevin Durant score?
Kevin Durant finished the game with 40 points, which stands as his highest scoring total for the 2025-2026 season thus far.
What is the current season record for both teams?
Following the result on 26 February 2026, the Houston Rockets hold a record of 36-21, while the Orlando Magic stand at 31-26.
When is the next game for the Houston Rockets?
Following this victory in Orlando, the Rockets are scheduled to travel to face the Miami Heat.