PHOENIX (AP) – The Phoenix Suns staged an incredible comeback to defeat the Utah Jazz 135-127 after overtime on Friday night, fueled by Devin Booker's dazzling 47-point performance. Grayson Allen’s heroics were pivotal as he sank two three-pointers, including one at the buzzer, propelling the game to overtime where the Suns finally capitalized on their momentum.
The Suns entered the game without their star players, Kevin Durant, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Bradley Beal, recovering from a toe injury. Despite these absences, the Suns demonstrated their tenacity. Allen, who scored 21 points and made seven three-pointers, was particularly clutch; his first three-pointer with just 2.2 seconds left brought the Suns to within one point, followed immediately by two free throws from Lauri Markkanen for the Jazz. But Allen's buzzer-beater tied the score at 122, forcing overtime.
"I was just focused on the moment and did what I had to do," said Allen after the game, reflecting on his pivotal role. "It's great to contribute and help the team win, especially under tough circumstances."
Entering the overtime, the Suns quickly took command, scoring the first eight points to build a solid lead. Booker maintained his high level of play throughout, showcasing sharpshooting prowess at 18 of 33 from the field, and he played for almost 49 minutes, leading his team decisively against the Jazz.
John Collins led the Jazz with 21 points, contributing significantly to the Jazz's offense alongside Lauri Markkanen, who added 20 points. Isaiah Collier also had a memorable not, recording 15 points and 13 assists, breaking franchise records for assists by a rookie during the first half. His stellar performance showcased his growing impact within the team.
The Jazz, who held a 4-point lead with just 4.7 seconds left, saw their chances slip away, showcasing vulnerabilities as they allowed two quick and pivotal shots from Allen. Jazz’s head coach Will Hardy expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need to improve defensive communication and execution under pressure.
"Tonight’s game has nothing to do with the last four and half seconds, it has to do with the fact we didn't direct Devin Booker ever in isolation," said Hardy. "We need to improve our isolation defense and channel the ball properly."
The game was tightly contested as the Suns initially led 111-98 with just over five minutes left, only to be met with the Jazz's 13-0 run which tied the game. This rollercoaster of momentum reflects the competitive nature of the matchup.
The Suns managed to secure the win, snapping their three-game losing streak, much to the relief of the home crowd at Footprint Center. Fans celebrated the victory alongside Devin Booker, who was honored there for becoming the Suns' all-time leading scorer moments before the game took place.
"It can help us build momentum moving forward," Booker remarked, noting the significance of the victory coming off previous defeats. "We needed this win to gel as a team and find our stride, especially as we look to make playoff pushes."
Despite the loss, the Jazz also found positives. The combination of Collins, Kessler, and Filipowski has shown potential, particularly with Kessler grabbing 22 rebounds on the night. The fundamentals displayed through their offensive rebounds and second-chance points are areas they can build upon moving forward.
Looking forward, both teams were scheduled for immediate back-to-back matchups. The Jazz travel to play against the Los Angeles Clippers, hoping to rebound quickly from this disappointment, aiming to fix their defensive lapses. The Suns will play host to the Denver Nuggets, where they will seek to capitalize on their victory against the Jazz and continue building on newfound momentum.
For fans, this game was nothing short of exhilarating and demonstrated the depth and resilience both teams possess. Whether the Suns can utilize this win as momentum or the Jazz can learn from this experience will be something to watch closely as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for more NBA action as teams continue to battle for playoff positioning and seek to solidify their rosters following the trade deadline.