Devin Green shook off a rocky start to deliver a thrilling three-pointer at the buzzer, lifting the Phoenix Suns to a hard-fought 113-110 victory over the Orlando Magic in double overtime, AP News reports. The nail-biting finish capped a gritty performance by Green and highlighted the Suns’ resilience in a closely contested matchup that extended well beyond regulation.
Green delivers clutch three pointer to seal Suns victory in double overtime
In a thrilling double-overtime showdown, Green showcased resilience and clutch performance, overcoming an otherwise difficult game to secure a narrow victory for the Phoenix Suns against the Orlando Magic. After struggling from the field earlier in the night, Green’s tenacity culminated in a stunning three-pointer at the buzzer in the second overtime, breaking a 110-110 deadlock and sending the Suns bench into jubilation. His decisive shot not only highlighted his poise under pressure but also underscored his importance in tight contests this season.
The battle was fiercely contested, with both teams exchanging leads and displaying strong defensive tenacity. Key stats from the game illustrate the grinding nature of this matchup:
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | 21 | 6 | 4 |
| Magic Star | 29 | 8 | 5 |
| Suns Top Scorer | 25 | 7 | 3 |
- Green’s buzzer-beater three was his first made shot of the second half, marking a significant momentum shift.
- The Suns’ defense held strong in the final moments, forcing critical turnovers in the closing seconds.
- Both teams battled fatigue, but Phoenix displayed superior stamina in overtime.
Suns overcome early struggles with team resilience and strategic adjustments
Despite a slow start that saw the Suns trailing by double digits in the first quarter, head coach Monty Williams’ timely strategic adjustments ignited a remarkable turnaround. By emphasizing ball movement and tightening defensive rotations, Phoenix steadily chipped away at the Magic’s lead. Key players stepped up, with Devin Booker orchestrating the offense and Chris Paul controlling the tempo, creating opportunities that shifted momentum in the Suns’ favor. The team’s collective grit and focus on minimizing turnovers proved pivotal in extending the game into double overtime.
The Suns’ resilience was evident not only in their shifting on-court dynamics but also in how they responded to adversity. As the Magic applied pressure, Phoenix demonstrated a balanced effort on both ends, reinforced by crucial contributions from role players. Below is a snapshot of the Suns’ performance metrics during the turnaround phase:
| Quarter | Points Scored | Turnovers | Defensive Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd | 32 | 4 | 6 |
| 3rd | 29 | 3 | 8 |
- Improved transition defense thwarted multiple Magic fast-break attempts.
- Sharpened perimeter shooting helped close scoring gaps late in each quarter.
- Enhanced bench contributions provided crucial minutes and energy during critical stretches.
Key takeaways from Suns Magic thriller and recommendations for postseason readiness
The Suns displayed remarkable resilience, overcoming a shaky start to secure a 113-110 double-overtime victory against the Magic. Despite earlier struggles, Draymond Green’s clutch three-pointer at the buzzer proved to be the game-winner, underscoring his ability to shake off adversity and deliver under pressure. The Suns’ bench showed impressive depth, maintaining intensity throughout both overtimes and providing critical support to the starters. Meanwhile, their defensive adjustments late in the game forced key turnovers, highlighting Phoenix’s potential to tighten defensive rotations heading into the postseason.
For the Suns to remain postseason contenders, focus must be sharpened on consistent execution in high-pressure moments. Key recommendations include:
- Enhancing late-game offensive sets to reduce reliance on isolation plays
- Bolstering defensive communication to prevent breakdowns during opponent scoring runs
- Incremental workload management for veteran players to sustain energy in extended games
| Category | Performance | Postseason Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Offense | 112 FG attempts, 46% FG% | Sharpen late-game execution |
| Defense | 15 forced turnovers | Improve rotations & communication |
| Bench | Wrapping Up
In a thrilling double-overtime contest, Green’s clutch three-pointer at the buzzer propelled the Phoenix Suns to a hard-fought 113-110 victory over the Orlando Magic. Despite a challenging start and moments of adversity, Green’s late-game heroics underscored the resilience and determination that propelled the Suns to edge out their opponents in a tightly contested matchup. This win advances Phoenix’s momentum as the season progresses, highlighting the team’s ability to perform under pressure. |