The Phoenix Suns suffered a gut-wrenching loss in San Antonio tonight, wrapping up their season series with the Spurs at a 2-2 tie. Despite controlling much of the game, the Suns fell victim to a chaotic fourth quarter.
Phoenix had a promising mix of forcing turnovers and capitalizing on second-chance points, with a 14-11 turnover advantage and 14-5 edge in second-chance opportunities. However, the free-throw line became their Achilles' heel. The Spurs not only shot six more free throws but also converted them at a 15% higher rate.
Collin Gillespie led the Suns with 24 points, supported by Devin Booker's 22 and Jalen Green's 17. Oso Ighodaro contributed across the board with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, shooting an efficient 7-10 from the field. The Spurs were powered by Victor Wembanyama's 34 points and 12 rebounds, including the game-winning shot with just 1.1 seconds left.
Game Flow
First Half
The Spurs started strong with a 13-7 run, showcasing balanced scoring from all starters. Phoenix responded with Jalen Green's dynamic drives, keeping the game tight. Ryan Dunn's three-pointer tied the game at 21 late in the first quarter, and despite the Spurs' early dominance, the Suns edged ahead 26-24, thanks to Green’s 9 points and Gillespie's sharp shooting.
Gillespie continued his hot streak into the second quarter, hitting tough threes. Rasheer Fleming electrified the crowd with a highlight dunk over rookie Carter Bryant, a moment that quickly went viral.
The Suns dominated the boards, leading 20-12, and punished the Spurs inside. Oso Ighodaro provided solid minutes with 9 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds in his first 17 minutes. Phoenix maintained their momentum, leading 59-52 at halftime, driven by Green's 17 points, Gillespie's 13, and Ighodaro's steady play.
Second Half
The Spurs intensified their defensive pressure in the third quarter, quickly reducing the Suns' lead to five. The physicality was evident, with eight fouls called in the first five minutes. The Suns faced another setback as Amir Coffey exited with a sprained ankle.
Devin Booker sparked the Suns with 5 early third-quarter points, but the Spurs' defense tightened, making it hard for Phoenix to find quality shots. A controversial no-call on a Booker drive added to the Suns' frustrations.
Booker, however, found his rhythm, aggressively attacking the basket and drawing fouls. He scored 14 points in the quarter, hitting 6 of 7 free throws, helping the Suns maintain a 79-73 lead heading into the final period.
Phoenix started the fourth with a 10-6 run. Gillespie's three-pointer, after a scrappy extra possession, seemed to give the Suns a cushion, but the Spurs kept clawing back.
Khaman Maluach's powerful drive and De’Aaron Fox's timely three-pointer shifted momentum back to San Antonio. Rasheer Fleming's block on Fox was a defensive highlight, but a turnover led to a Wembanyama three, cutting the Suns' lead to four.
Jordan Goodwin hit a clutch corner three, giving Phoenix a five-point lead with just over a minute left. However, Fleming's missed free throws with 11 seconds remaining left the door open for the Spurs, and they capitalized, sealing a dramatic victory.