PHOENIX — Monday marks five years since Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker had one of the franchise’s most iconic last-second wins, setting up for a career-defining moment.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!How does this specific moment continue to have an impact years later?
Buzzer Beater
Aug 4, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, USA; Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the game winning basket over Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
During the 2019-2020 season, the NBA suspended play due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league restarted the season in July 2020 in a “bubble” environment, in which all teams played in Florida under COVID-19 regulations.
Phoenix played eight of its games in the bubble environment.
On Aug. 4, 2020, the Suns were tied against the Los Angeles Clippers in the final seconds, 115-115, with either team needing only one shot to seal a win. As time was running down, Booker shot a fadeaway jumper for the win over the Clippers’ Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
Aug 4, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, USA; Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns falls to the ground after scoring the game-winning basket against the LA Clippers at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via Imagn Images
The moment helped keep Phoenix’s undefeated record in bubble play, with Booker’s pose sending Suns fans into a frenzy. Booker’s slide was made into a bobblehead to give away to fans, with some calling it a turning point in the guard’s career.
Bubble Book Bobble 📚
The first 5,000 fans in attendance tonight will receive a bobblehead, courtesy of @Ticketmaster.
🥇 Find the 1-of-1 Golden Bobblehead and receive an autographed Devin Booker jersey! pic.twitter.com/MSUAzdPOZ9
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 8, 2025
After 2020
February 15, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker participates in the three-point contest during NBA All-Star Saturday Night at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Booker went on to be an All-Star in 2020. The team missed the playoffs, but the Suns used the momentum to fuel them to the NBA Finals in 2021. Although they fell short, the shift in the franchise was felt by Booker’s contributions in 2020.
Booker solidified himself further as the Suns’ franchise player and continued to break records in his time with Phoenix — with the “bubble beater” as one of his top highlights.
They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, but we could only think of one to honor this shot:
1CONIC. pic.twitter.com/qvNXl2AVQG
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) August 4, 2025
Five years later, Phoenix continues to remember the buzzer-beating moment, proving that Booker’s winning shot is still felt within the organization.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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