PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns pulled off a thrilling 135-127 victory against the Utah Jazz on Friday night, thanks to some late-game heroics from Grayson Allen. With only 0.9 seconds remaining on the clock and his team down by four points, Allen caught the inbounds pass and sank a 3-pointer from the right wing, tying the game and sending it to overtime.
The victory snapped the Suns' three-game losing streak, showcasing resilience even as they played without superstars Kevin Durant (ankle) and Bradley Beal (toe). Devin Booker stepped up impressively, scoring a season-high 47 points, along with 11 assists and six rebounds, directing the offense for 49 minutes.
Utah had led for much of the game and looked poised for victory after establishing as much as a 13-point lead earlier in the fourth quarter. They had multiple players deliver standout performances, including John Collins with 21 points and Walker Kessler, who posted 19 points along with 22 rebounds. Lauri Markkanen added 20 points and rookie Isaiah Collier dished out 15 assists.
The game itself was filled with momentum shifts. The Jazz jumped out to solid leads, starting with an early 20-8 advantage, driven by tenacious defense and rebounding. Utah's persistent efforts helped them maintain their lead, as they entered halftime tied 55-55.
Utah's performance was characterized by their aggressive rebounding, especially on the offensive glass, where they collected 25 rebounds throughout the game. This pressing style allowed them to orchestrate a 13-0 run late in the fourth quarter, giving them temporary hope as they went up 120-116 with just 4.7 seconds left. Yet, the Suns managed to rally right back, with Allen's sharpshooting providing the decisive spark it desperately needed.
Following Allen's game-tying shot, he opened the scoring in overtime with another 3-pointer, helping the Suns create separation early on, as they went on to outscore the Jazz 13-5 in the overtime period. The quick momentum swing following Allen's clutch shot seemed to galvanize the Suns, who capitalized on the fleeting time and the Jazz’s emotional letdown.
"It's tough to lose like this, especially after we fought so hard to come back," said Jazz player John Collins after the game, reflecting on the near-miss as the Jazz now regroup for their upcoming games.
Heading forward, the Jazz will look to bounce back with two significant road games against the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday and Monday. Meanwhile, the Suns aim to maintain their newfound momentum with another game against the Denver Nuggets, seeking to capitalize on the victory.
This matchup highlighted both teams' struggles and strengths, shedding light on the struggles of the Suns due to injuries, yet underlining their capacity to perform under pressure when it counts. The Jazz, meanwhile, showcased their depth and potential, but the disappointing loss raises questions about their late-game execution.
Fans can be assured of more heart-stopping moments as the jazz continue to improvise and the Suns look to build on this overtime thrill.