PHOENIX — Devin Booker has always come in clutch, and much like seven times before, delivered another game-winning shot to take down the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.
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Jan 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates with teammate Jordan Goodwin (23) against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
As the longest tenured player on the team, Booker has always risen to the occasion whenever the Suns have needed a spark. Despite struggling from beyond the arc since returning from a groin injury in December, the star guard made the only 3-pointer that mattered against the defending NBA Champions.
Let’s take a look back at Booker’s top three buzzer-beating buckets that paved the way for some iconic moments for Phoenix.
3) Suns vs Sacramento Kings – Feb. 3, 2017
Feb 3, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates after a buzzer beater shot against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix and Sacramento played a tight matchup, with the Suns trailing by seven during the last four minutes of the game. P.J. Tucker hit a 3-pointer to give Phoenix the lead before Darren Collison tied the game up once more, 103-103.
Booker, who was in his second season in the Valley, made the difference.
With four seconds left, he hit a mid-range jumper to help the Suns take a 105-103 win and snap their losing streak. This was a preview of what was to come in Booker’s career in the Valley.
2) Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder – Jan. 4, 2025
Jan 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Still fresh, but one that many basketball fans are still talking about because of its significance.
After suffering its franchise-worst loss to the Thunder on Dec. 10, Phoenix looked to redeem itself. The Thunder had only lost five games at that point in the season, making it a much more difficult task.
Trailing by 18 points early in the game, the Suns hit the ground running in the second half to tie and exchange leads with the reigning champions. Despite leading 105-101 in the final seconds of the game, Dillong Brooks out of bounds turnover afterwards gave Oklahoma City the chance to tie it up, 105-105.
With four seconds left on the clock and above two defenders, Booker hit a 3-pointer to give Phoenix the lead and eventual win, to upset the Thunder.
1) Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers – Aug. 4, 2020
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
One of his most iconic go-ahead winning shots, Booker’s “bubble game” bucket still has fans buzzing.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBA allowed 22 teams to play in a “bubble” location at Walt Disney World in Florida. Phoenix and Los Angeles played a competitive bout as the Western Conference rivals looked to climb the rankings.
After a missed shot by the Suns, Clippers’ Ivica Zubac caught the rebound but couldn’t pass it cleanly to his teammate. Suns’ Deandre Ayton intercepted the pass and got it to Booker in the last seconds of the game.
Booker drove, faked out Kawhi Leonard, and hit a spinning fadeaway jumper over Paul George as time expired for a 117-115 win. This helped catapult what would be one of the franchise’s most shining seasons and leading to an NBA Finals run.
Tonight marks Devin Booker’s 8th-career game-winner in the final 5 seconds of a game…
That ties Jayson Tatum for 2nd-most since Booker entered the league, only behind Kawhi Leonard (9) 🤩
Re-live all of Booker’s game-winners ⤵️ https://t.co/7oOuFdmU4V pic.twitter.com/M27V9l7ZCb
— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2026
Sunday’s game was only an addition to Booker’s legacy in the Valley, but each winning shot carries significance to why he’s one of the best to put on a Phoenix uniform.
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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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