Suns’ McGee drills buzzer-beater to end 3rd quarter in win over Thunder
Dec 29, 2021, 9:27 PM | Updated: 9:45 pm
JaVale McGee #00 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on December 14, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns center JaVale McGee has had a knack for the spectacular play this season.
The Suns were teetering throughout the third quarter on Wednesday against the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder.
With 1.7 seconds remaining in the period, Phoenix guard Cam Payne launched the inbounds pass down the court to McGee in double coverage.
The 7-footer high-pointed the ball over the defense, turned around and drilled the shot from just inside the arc at the horn.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 30, 2021
The basket put Phoenix up 85-81 and was a much-needed jolt for the Suns.
Phoenix went on to win 115-97 and snap a two-game skid.
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The pass by Payne was exactly where it needed to be for McGee to use his size and grab it. As Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins describes catches like that, McGee dunked on the Thunder.
McGee filled in for Deandre Ayton, who missed his second straight game while in health and safety protocols.
The veteran backup scored 16 points with eight rebounds on Wednesday night.
Ayton has missed nine games this year, and McGee has proven to be a critical offseason addition for Phoenix.
Wednesday was also a strong night for McGee’s backup.
Second-year center Jalen Smith blocked a shot with his elbow to pair with 11 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. He had two blocks total.
Guard Devin Booker led Phoenix with 38 points on 24 shots. He became the seventh-youngest player in league history to surpass 10,000 career points.
The Suns improved to 27-7 with the victory, matching the Golden State Warriors.
Phoenix takes on the Boston Celtics on the road Friday at 11 a.m. You can tune in on 98.7 FM Arizona Sports.
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