The Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz faced off on December 13, 2024, at the Delta Center, delivering one of the most thrilling displays of marksmanship the NBA has seen. The Suns secured a 134-126 victory against the Jazz, but the real headlines revolved around the historical shooting performance exhibited by both teams, which resulted in them tying the NBA record for the most combined three-pointers made in one game.
Throughout the night, players from both sides let it fly from beyond the arc, culminating in 44 total three-pointers—22 from each squad. The Suns shot 22-for-45 (49%) from downtown, whereas the Jazz mustered an impressive 22-of-39 (56%), making this contest not only exciting but one for the record books.
The game also marked this season's return of Suns superstar Kevin Durant, who had missed three prior matches due to injury. Durant didn’t disappoint, netting 30 points and adding eight assists, showcasing the prowess and depth of the Suns’ roster. His comeback gave Phoenix the much-needed boost, snapping their three-game losing streak.
Devin Booker led all scorers with 34 points, including several clutch three-pointers down the stretch. After entering the night struggling with his three-point shooting, Booker found his range and went 6-for-13 from behind the arc. His shots not only put the Suns on the board but also closed the door on Utah’s comeback attempts.
"Tonight highlights the skill level in the NBA these days. That was quite the shooting performance by both teams," said Jazz head coach Will Hardy, reflecting on the exceptional game.
With both teams coming off extended breaks, footage replaying early highlights included the Jazz starting strong as Walker Kessler made his initial two three-point attempts of the season. Utah embraced their home-court advantage with Jordan Clarkson returning to the lineup after missing seven games. Clarkson led the Jazz with 23 points, offsetting the absence of their other key players.
"It’s fun. It’s a lot of points, but it definitely boils down to who gets stops," said Clarkson. His sentiments echoed through the arena as both teams experienced moments when defenses tightened, yet the offensive rhythm remained dynamic.
By halftime, the Suns led 76-71, with the scoreboard reflecting the remarkable shooting percentages from both teams. The second half continued with Phoenix asserting their dominance and climbing to lead by double digits, thanks to stellar performances from supporting players like Tyus Jones, who added 19 points and 11 assists, knocking down five three-pointers.
Despite trailing, the Jazz made significant efforts to claw back, with Lauri Markkanen and John Collins each contributing substantially. Collins, who tallied 22 points, hit key three-pointers throughout the game, with his final three significantly tying the record for combined shots made.
Even as Utah showcased their proficiency from the arc, it was evident the Suns’ early lead and tactical execution set them apart. The Suns successfully managed to create space, allowing their star players to maneuver effectively against the Jazz. This was highlighted when Durant orchestrated plays to both assist others and capitalize on getting to the free-throw line, where he was flawless, going 12-for-12.
"We had great ball movement and made the right decisions collectively," said Booker after the game, summarizing the team’s approach. Durant’s return also invigorated the Suns' lineup, showcasing the resilience needed amid recent injuries, particularly with Bradley Beal sidelined.
The Jazz were able to keep pace for much of the game, displaying skillful outside shooting efforts. A thrilling matchup culminated with both teams continuing to shoot well but also acknowledged the need for improvement on defense, particularly for the Suns, who allowed 126 points after conceding similar totals to other teams during their recent endeavors.
With only five points separating the teams late in the fourth quarter, it felt like the game was within reach for the Jazz. Yet, it was Booker's precision and poise down the stretch coupled with the Suns’ improved ball control—having committed only four turnovers—that highlighted their victory.
Overall, the game ended with exhilarating statistics, intense performances, and most significantly, added to the legacy of NBA shooting excellence, leaving fans hyped for the next encounters. The Suns continue their season with optimism, and the Jazz, now 5-19, are still seeking consistency as they navigate through their rebuilding phase.
This exciting matchup not only set records but served as a reminder of the level of talent present across the NBA, proving Elan's observations right: occasionally, all it takes is timing, teamwork, and exceptional shooting to create unforgettable moments.