Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker knocked down his seventh go-ahead profession area purpose within the ultimate 5 seconds of regulation or additional time in Sunday’s 116-113 win over the New York Knicks.
The three-time All-Star trails solely Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan (9) for probably the most go-ahead baskets within the final 5 seconds of video games since getting into the NBA within the 2015-16 season.
Booker, 27, drained a clutch 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left to safe Phoenix’s seventh-straight win. Observe that Kevin Durant was out for a second-straight sport due to a sore proper foot.
In accordance to a couple NBA betting websites, the Phoenix Suns maintain fourth-best odds to win the championship this season. Sportsbooks are displaying higher odds for the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets.
Good morning.
Right here’s a have a look at Devin Booker’s sport successful 3 with 1.7 seconds left to stun #Knicks in 116-113 Phoenix Suns win Sunday at @TheGarden.
Suns coach Frank Vogel, Jordan Goodwin, Eric Gordon, Yuta Watanabe, Drew Eubanks and naturally, Booker, relive the shot. #Suns pic.twitter.com/0UlLeoZPsu
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 27, 2023
“I’m part of historical past now, it seems like,” mentioned Booker, who scored seven of the Suns’ 9 factors within the ultimate 5 minutes. “It means rather a lot. Should you’re a fan of the sport and also you’re a fan of historical past, you must really feel that upon arrival, proper?”
The nine-year veteran ended his evening with 28 factors, 5 rebounds, 11 assists, and two blocks in 38 minutes of motion. Booker shot 10-of-25 (40%) from the ground, 1-of-4 (25%) from 3-point vary, and 7-of-8 (87.5%) on the foul line. His solely 3-pointer saved the Suns.
Devin Booker is a go-ahead profession area purpose within the ultimate 5 seconds away from tying DeMar DeRozan for many since 2015
Moreover, Phoenix led by as many as 15 factors earlier than New York clawed its approach again into the sport. The Knicks went on a 20-5 run led by Immanuel Quickley, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle to acquire their first lead at 86-84 with lower than three minutes remaining within the third.
Suns guard Eric Gordon added 25 factors. New York outscored the Suns 36-31 after halftime. Brunson, who completed with 35 factors, six rebounds, and eight assists, hit a jumper with 21.9 seconds remaining within the ultimate body to even the rating at 113 all.
“For a sport winner, I’m feeling I’m taking that shot until they tremendous blitz me to the place I can’t even see the ring,” Booker mentioned. “However any gentle stress like that, I really feel like if I increase up and I’ve it on my proper facet that no one can actually get to it. I do know it sounds loopy, however it seems like an open shot and whenever you let it go, it’s good.”
Moreover, Booker’s 28-point outing impressed Suns coach Frank Vogel. “It’s Devin Booker, man. The man hit a cold-blooded, big-time shot,” he mentioned.
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker stats this month:
32.9 ppg 29.1 ppg
7.1 rpg 5.4 rpg
5.7 apg 9 apg68% ts 62% ts
Finest duo within the affiliation pic.twitter.com/po5OGaLGb1
— DurantMuse (@DurantMuse_) November 27, 2023
“He’s our chief. There was quite a lot of speak when Chris [Paul] left about what the management construction was going to appear to be, and he’s actually taken that factor and run. It’s been actually pure to him. Hasn’t been compelled, hasn’t been something apart from, ‘It’s my time.’”
Randle and RJ Barrett double-teamed Booker within the ultimate seconds, however it was not sufficient.
“He made an excellent shot,” Randle mentioned. “Fading out bounds, 3-pointer over two individuals. You bought to faucet him on the butt and say, ‘Good job.’ He made an excellent shot. Not likely a lot you are able to do about it.”
The Phoenix Suns are No. 1 within the NBA in factors per possession (1.37 PPP) when Devin Booker brings the ball up the courtroom this season. Over his final seven video games, he’s averaging 28.9 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists per sport.
Phoenix travels to Toronto on Wednesday evening.