UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Devin Booker delivered a game-winning 3-pointer with just 0.7 seconds left, leading the Phoenix Suns to a stunning 108-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 17, 2023. This decisive moment came after Jalen Williams tied the game with a jump shot with only 8.2 seconds remaining.
Booker, who finished the game with 24 points, demonstrated his clutch performance, marking his ninth career go-ahead bucket in the final moments of a game. “Been here before,” said Booker, reflecting on the high-pressure situation. His game-winning shot came against Alex Caruso, one of the league’s top defenders.
Suns coach Jordan Ott praised the matchup, stating, “We liked who had the basketball and the space he was able to have.” Booker’s skill was evident as he maneuvered past Caruso and a late double-team from Luguentz Dort, executing a stepback that secured the win.
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged Phoenix’s tenacity, saying, “They play hard. They play together.” Despite the loss, he managed to score 25 points but struggled with an 8-of-22 shooting performance.
The Suns’ comeback was significantly fueled by reserve guard Jordan Goodwin, who scored a career-high 26 points, shooting 9-of-16 overall and 8-of-13 from beyond the arc. His performance was a pivotal factor in overcoming an 18-point deficit earlier in the game. “A lot of the corner 3s that Goody got were because our superstar passes the basketball,” Ott noted.
This victory is particularly significant for the Suns (now 21-14), as they had previously lost twice to the defending champions, the Thunder, who fall to 30-6. Booker’s last-second heroics not only marked a statement win for the Suns but also highlighted their potential as contenders against the league’s best.
Looking ahead, the Suns will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming matchups, while the Thunder will regroup to address their defensive strategies. Fans can expect thrilling developments as these teams continue to battle for playoff positioning. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
