Phoenix Suns Recreate Iconic Alley-Oop Game Winner From 2017 in Game 2 Victory Over Clippers
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 20, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (right) controls the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum in the first half during game one of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Phoenix Suns faced off against the LA Clippers in game 2 of their second round series. With the Suns taking a 1-0 lead earlier in the series, the Clippers looked to tie the series before they returned to LA.
The game got off to a great start as both the teams were at it with the Suns taking a three point lead in the first quarter. But their three point lead was cut down to a single point lead with a 48-47 scoreline at the end of the first half.
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The slugfest continued in the third quarter as the Suns extended their lead to 4 points at the end of the third quarter. Given how close the game was, fourth quarter was all to play for both the teams.
The fourth quarter was certainly one of the most intense quarters of the playoffs so far. While Phoenix did maintain the lead for majority of the quarter, they were down by a single point with 22.2 seconds remaining.
With two free throws for Paul George remaining, the game seemed done and dusted. But in an astonishing turn of events, the PG13 choked and missed both free throws.
Phoenix Suns recreate Tyson Chandler game winner to take 2-0 lead
With 8 seconds remaining, the Suns drew up a play for Mikal Bridges, but Bridges missed and 0.9 seconds remained on the game clock. Coach Monty Williams drew up a fantastic play for big man DeAndre Ayton.
With a perfect lob pass by Jae Crowder, Ayton slammed it home and gave his team 104-103 lead in the game. This was certainly one of the most uniquely drawn last plays in recent times.
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While the play might have astounded many NBA fans, this play was pretty reminiscent of a buzzer beater drawn up by the Suns in 2017. Playing against the Grizzlies, and the game tied at 97-97, the Suns had an inbound pass with 0.6 seconds remaining.
Dragan Bender somehow found a perfect pass at the rim for big man Tyson Chandler. Chandler caught the pass and absolutely bullied Brandan Knight and hit the buzzer beating alley-op for a 99-97 Suns victory.
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After Ayton’s incredible game winner, 2011-12 DPOY Chandler was quick to react. In a recent twitter post, the 1-time All-Star wrote, “That looks familiar”
That looks familiar 👀
— Tyson Chandler (@tysonchandler) June 23, 2021
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The Suns certainly stole this game from the Clippers who looked certain for a victory. With Chris Paul likely to return for game 3, the Suns now are the favorites to win this series. But given how the Clippers have comeback in their last two series’ counting them out might be a huge mistake. Who do you think will ultimately win this series, the Clippers or the Suns?
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