Devin Booker Hits Game-Winner as Suns Top Thunder 108-105

UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Devin Booker nailed a game-winning 3-pointer with just 0.7 seconds remaining, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 108-105 victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on December 17, 2023. This stunning win marks a significant turnaround for the Suns, who had previously lost two matches against the Thunder this season.

As Jalen Williams tied the game with a jump shot with 8.2 seconds left, Booker remained poised, anticipating his moment to shine. “Been here before,” Booker reflected after the game. This victory is especially meaningful for the Suns, improving their record to 21-14 while the Thunder drop to 30-6.

Booker, who scored 24 points on the night, executed a flawless isolation play against Alex Caruso, one of the league’s top defenders. The Suns’ coach, Jordan Ott, expressed confidence in Booker’s capabilities, noting, “We liked who had the basketball and the space he was able to have.”

The pivotal moment unfolded as Booker caught the inbounds pass near midcourt, dribbled to the Suns’ logo, and executed a stepback shot over a challenging defense from Caruso and a late double-team by Luguentz Dort. Caruso remarked, “You can’t get to the point on the road where you’re giving an All-Star, All-NBA caliber player a chance to win the game.”

This victory serves as a testament to the Suns’ resilience, overcoming an 18-point deficit during the game. Reserve guard Jordan Goodwin played a critical role, contributing a career-high 26 points with 8-of-13 shooting from beyond the arc. Goodwin’s performance highlighted the importance of teamwork, as Booker assisted on multiple occasions, demonstrating the unselfishness that defines the Suns’ playstyle.

Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the Suns’ tenacity, stating, “In this league, when you play hard and play together every night, you give yourself a chance.” Despite his efforts, shooting just 8-of-22 for 25 points, the Thunder couldn’t contain the Suns’ offensive onslaught.

The game-winner by Booker is notable as it marks his ninth career go-ahead bucket in the final five seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime, tying him for the second-most since entering the league in the 2015-16 season. Only DeMar DeRozan has more, with 11 such shots.

This statement win against the Thunder not only boosts the Suns’ confidence but also sets the stage for what promises to be an intense rest of the season as they aim to challenge the league’s elite. As Booker stated, “Obviously, they’re everybody’s target… That’s who you want to match yourself up against.”

As the Suns continue to build momentum, fans will be eager to see how this victory influences their upcoming matchups. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting NBA season unfolds!