PHOENIX – In a wild, back-and-forth contest that needed two extra periods to decide, the Phoenix Suns secured a 113-110 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night, thanks to a stunning buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Jalen Green. The improbable shot capped off a difficult night for Green, who had struggled with his shooting throughout the game, finishing 5-for-25 from the field and 1-for-10 from beyond the arc before his game-winning basket.
The dramatic finish came after Jevon Carter of the Magic tied the game at 110 with a 3-pointer of his own with just 1.1 seconds remaining in the second overtime. However, Green answered immediately, receiving an inbound pass from Royce O’Neale and sprinting to the right corner before launching a contested shot as time expired. The ball arced through the air and fell through the net, sending the Phoenix crowd into a frenzy.
Despite his overall shooting struggles, Green finished the game with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. His clutch performance helped the Suns improve to 33-24 on the season, currently seventh place in the competitive Western Conference. The win was particularly crucial given the team’s recent injury woes.
The Suns were without star guard Devin Booker, who is expected to miss a week due to a hip strain sustained on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. Adding to the team’s challenges, Dillon Brooks left Saturday’s game after just seven minutes of play with a hand injury according to ESPN.
A Wild Finish at Mortgage Matchup Center
The game at Mortgage Matchup Center was a tightly contested affair from the start, with both teams struggling to find consistent offensive rhythm. The combined shooting percentage for both teams was a mere 38.1% as reported by Yahoo Sports. Despite the offensive challenges, the game remained close throughout, ultimately requiring two overtime periods to determine a winner.
Carter’s late 3-pointer for the Magic appeared to send the game to a third overtime, but Green had other plans. He managed to get open, receiving the inbound pass from O’Neale and quickly launching the game-winning shot before falling to the ground as the ball swished through the net.
Key Performances and Standings Implications
While Green’s heroics stole the show, Grayson Allen led the Suns in scoring with 27 points, adding 7 rebounds and 2 assists off the bench. Collin Gillespie also contributed with 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. For the Magic, Desmond Bane led all scorers with 34 points, while Paolo Banchero added a strong performance with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists.
The Suns’ victory pushes them to 33-24 on the season, two games behind the sixth-place Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference standings. The team will need to continue to navigate its injury challenges as it looks to solidify its playoff position.
What’s Next for the Suns?
The Suns will continue their four-game homestand, facing a challenging schedule as they aim to build on this hard-fought victory. The team will need to rely on contributions from its entire roster, particularly with Booker sidelined and Brooks’s injury status uncertain. The Western Conference playoff race remains incredibly tight, and every game will be crucial as the regular season progresses.
What did you think of Jalen Green’s incredible game-winner? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
