The Indiana Pacers pulled off an impressive comeback victory on Friday night, as they overcame Devin Booker's 62-point performance to defeat the Phoenix Suns 133-131. Obi Toppin's putback with 3.4 seconds remaining proved to be the game-winning play, sealing the Pacers' victory and spoiling Booker's remarkable scoring display.
Toppin, who finished the game with 23 points and 11 rebounds, praised Booker's skills but highlighted the Pacers' defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter as the turning point. The team opted to send an additional defender to disrupt Booker's rhythm, forcing him to give up the ball and scramble for options. This defensive strategy seemed to throw the Suns off-balance, resulting in their lowest-scoring quarter of the game.
Despite Booker's incredible 29-point outburst in the first quarter, breaking his own Phoenix record, the Suns struggled to maintain their offensive firepower throughout the game. The team had registered quarters of 40, 40, and 34 points before their uncharacteristic fourth-quarter collapse. Booker's 62 points mark the second time he has reached the 50-point mark this season and the seventh time in his career, but it wasn't enough to secure the victory.
This loss against the Pacers places Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves in a rare category. They became the first pair of teammates since 1977-78 to score 60 or more points in a game and still end up on the losing side. George Gervin (63) and David Thompson (73) were the only other duo to face a similar fate.
Booker acknowledged the need for the Suns to make adjustments, particularly on the defensive end, stating that there are areas they need to figure out. Despite their recent loss, the Suns extended their franchise record to five consecutive games with a 40-point scorer, with Kevin Durant contributing 20 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the game.
It was a momentous 24-hour period for the Pacers, who secured back-to-back victories against formidable opponents. Pascal Siakam stepped up with 31 points in this game, leading Indiana to triumph despite the absence of injured All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton for both contests. The Pacers displayed resilience, erasing a 17-point deficit in the second quarter and methodically chipping away at the Suns' lead throughout the second half.
The turning point came when Andrew Nembhard scored a short step-back jumper to cut the deficit to 129-127 with under two minutes left in the game. Nembhard later tied the score on consecutive possessions, ultimately contributing 22 points and six assists in the Pacers' victory.
With the game hanging in the balance, the Suns had an opportunity to regain the lead. However, Durant missed a crucial three-pointer, allowing the Pacers to secure the rebound. After missing two shots on their final possession, Toppin seized the rebound and capitalized on an easy putback, securing the victory for Indiana in a physically demanding and defensively challenging game.
The Suns faced a setback when Bradley Beal left the game in the third quarter after drawing an offensive foul on Myles Turner, taking a shot to the nose. Beal briefly retreated to the locker room but made a return early in the fourth quarter, wearing cotton stuffed in his nostrils.
Looking ahead, the Suns will seek to bounce back as they face the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. Meanwhile, the Pacers will enjoy the comforts of home as they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday in hopes of extending their winning streak.
In a game characterized by prolific scoring, defensive adjustments, and a thrilling finish, the Pacers ultimately emerged victorious against the Suns, delivering a blow to Devin Booker's historic performance and demonstrating their resilience and determination as a team.
