Game two of the NBA playoffs series between the Phoenix and the LA Clippers had an epic finish, with the game decided in the very last second.
NBA games are known to often go down to the wire but the epic finish between the Phoenix Suns and the LA Clippers in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals had even the most seasoned basketball fans chewing their fingernails.
It was a seesawing contest throughout the entire game, with both teams swapping the lead frequently in Phoenix.
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After a controversial ruling against Phoenix star Devin Booker, where he was deemed to touch the ball last despite it being knocked out by his opponent with less than 10 seconds on the clock, the Clippers got the chance to seal the deal.
The Clippers’ Paul George had two free-throw attempts to but shockingly missed them both, giving the Suns one last chance to win the game.
Down one point with 0.8 seconds left on the clock, Phoenix coach Monty Williams drew up a hail Mary play at time-out and his players executed it to perfection to steal an epic playoffs win.
Phoenix’s Jae Crowder threw a centimetre perfect pass to teammate DeAndre Ayton just above the rim, and he tipped the ball into the basket to give the Suns a thrilling victory.
Ayton was superb for the Suns, with 24 points (12 from 15 shots made) and 14 rebounds.
“I just trust my teammates and coaches,” he told ESPN.
“I just listened to my coach and did what they told me to do.
“Jae threw a great pass, I just finished, I’m just glad I finished. We just wanted to finish the game off strong.”
The 104-103 result gives the Suns a crucial 2-0 series lead as they continue on their best playoffs run since 2010.
Basketball fans couldn’t believe their eyes at the thrilling last-second finish.
But viewers were up in arms about the earlier out-of-bounds call that gave the Clippers the chance to win.
Incredibly, the last 90 seconds of the game took 33 real-time minutes to complete, due to five time-outs and several referee reviews that dragged out the end of the game, to the dismay of the some fans.
Phoenix have now won nine consecutive playoff games following their series victories over the LA Lakers and the Denver Nuggets.
The Suns were without star Chris Paul, who had been ruled out of at least the opening two games of the series due to Covid-19 regulations.
But back-up point guard Cameron Payne stood up big-time in his absence, scoring 29 points and contributing nine assists.
The close finish wasn’t the only drama that occurred during the game.
Phoenix’s Booker sustained a nasty cut to nose in an accidental head collision with the Clippers’ Patrick Beverley and started bleeding immediately.
Booker was patched up and returned to the court and had a solid game with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds.