The play was designed to go to Kevin Durant.
With 5.7 seconds left in a tied game, Phoenix naturally wanted to go to Durant, who had been outstanding all night with 38 points. However, the Milwaukee Bucks anticipated this, with Giannis Antetokounmpo guarding Durant and the defense collapsing toward him. This opened up space for Devin Booker, who popped out high to receive the ball. Booker then drove, and Oso Ighodaro executed a perfect screen, taking out two defenders, allowing Booker to get a clean look and sink the 20-foot game-winning shot.
Brook Lopez had a chance to tie the game with a turnaround jumper, but it bounced off the rim, giving Phoenix a 108-106 victory.
This win was crucial for the Suns, who are vying for the No. 10 seed and the final play-in spot. Phoenix and Dallas are tied for 10th, with the Suns holding the tiebreaker. The Mavericks had won earlier in the evening with Anthony Davis back, so this victory keeps Phoenix in the playoff race for now.
For Milwaukee, the loss was tough as they now trail the red-hot Pacers by two games for the No. 4 seed and home-court advantage in the first round. The Bucks are just half a game ahead of Detroit, who holds the No. 6 seed. In the game, Antetokounmpo scored 31 points, and Lopez added 23 points and 10 rebounds.
About The Author
