By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
That is why anything can still happen in the NBA if the final game buzzer still doesn’t sound.
Down by as much as 23 points, the Phoenix Suns were on the verge of another disappointing loss on their home court but a magical fourth quarter was all they needed to frustrate the visiting Los Angeles Clippers squad in the ongoing NBA regular season on March 5, 2025.
After playing catch-up in the majority of the game, the Suns flipped the switch and completed their double-digit comeback in the fourth, 119-117, to stay alive in the NBA Playoff race.
The duo of Kevin Durant and Collin Gillespie saved the day for Phoenix after scoring 29 of the Suns’ 43 points in the final canto that capped off the last 12 minutes with a 43-22 ending.
Los Angeles thought that they already had the grip of the game after a James Harden three-pointer that stretched their lead to 23 points, 89-66, with 4:12 remaining in the third quarter.
However, Devin Booker countered with a triple of his own, and that marked the start of Phoenix’s insane come-from-behind win.
Durant kicked off their comeback with several jumpers from the perimeter before Gillespie waxed hot from the rainbow country that got them to within 11 points.
The Clippers fed their money man, Ivica Zubac, who earned a new NBA career-high in points but his personal scoring avalanche wasn’t enough to contain the flaming hands of Durant and Gillespie.
With 4:19 remaining in the final frame, Durant then struck the game-tying jumper from the right elbow that equalized the affair at 106-all.
Zubac was able to help the Clippers regain the lead off a layup on the other end, but the rolling Suns scored six quick points to get back to the driver’s seat, 112-108.
Icing the game for Phoenix was Gillespie, who drilled the cold-blooded three-pointer that separated the Suns with a five-point lead, 119-114, with only 38 seconds remaining in the thrilling back-and-forth game.
The Clippers had the chance to force the game into overtime as Kawhi Leonard was able to generate a difficult leftie attempt, but his hook shot failed to touch the rim in the remaining 1.7 seconds window left for Los Angeles.
That win was the biggest comeback dub for Phoenix this season and found a new reason to stay locked in after reviving their hopes of getting into the NBA Playoffs.
Durant was on fire the whole game and was vital to their comeback, dropping 34 points built from a perfect 10/10 shooting from the free throw line alongside seven rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Gillespie, who barely played in the first half, stunned the Clippers with 10 points, including the biggest three-pointer of the ball game.
Phoenix is currently at the 11th spot of the Western Conference with a 29-33 win-loss record but is not far behind Dallas, the Clippers, and Sacramento, by just two victories.
The Suns will still have 20 games remaining in their schedule before the NBA Play-In tournament begins and will need a collective effort from their roster if they want to salvage a spot.
