Deandre Ayton has the Phoenix Suns two wins away from a trip to the NBA Finals after slamming down a last-second alley-oop in Game 2 on Tuesday night.
With 0.9 seconds left and Phoenix trailing by one, Suns forward Jae Crowder threw an alley-oop pass from the corner that was slammed home by Ayton for the 104-103 win at Phoenix Suns Arena.
The alley-oop was head coach Monty Williams’ plan all along when given a chance to win it after Clippers forward Paul George missed two free throws.
“DA – if he throws it, you gotta try to dunk it. Okay?”
SOUND ON to hear Monty Williams in the @Suns huddle before Deandre Ayton’s game-winning tip-in!#ThatsGame #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/yCDqHmVF1L
— NBA (@NBA) June 23, 2021
The game-winning jam left only 0.7 seconds left for the Clippers to go the full length of the court and score without a timeout.
George wasn’t able to get the ensuing shot off in time, giving Suns fans a reason for celebr-Ayton.
The on-court reaction to Deandre Ayton’s game-winning shot
pic.twitter.com/6DWLONtjmZ
— ESPN (@espn) June 23, 2021
Suns point guard Chris Paul — who was out for the second consecutive game due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols — approved of his head coach’s play call.
The Point God celebrated with his teammates and head coach via Facetime following the win.
.@CP3 celebrated with the Suns over FaceTime after the win
pic.twitter.com/WUV88UFn8H
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 23, 2021
Fans were heard giving their series predictions as they were exiting Phoenix Suns Arena following the final buzzer.
SUNS IN 4. #RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/BohCs4yp0H
— Gabriel Gamiño, MA (@gaminogabriel) June 23, 2021
Former Suns center Tyson Chandler chimed in having executed on a similar play during his time in the Valley.
That looks familiar
— Tyson Chandler (@tysonchandler) June 23, 2021
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins — who knows a thing or two about catching passes — gave his two cents on the play.
The Suns will look to move one win away from the NBA Finals with a win in Game 3 in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Catch all the action on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
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