September 20, 2024

Devin Booker returns, hits game-winning 3 in Phoenix Suns’ stunner over Dallas Mavericks

Devin Booker #DevinBooker

a man holding a basketball: Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) tries to drive past Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 in Dallas. (AP Photo/ Richard W. Rodriguez). © Richard W. Rodriguez, AP Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) tries to drive past Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 in Dallas. (AP Photo/ Richard W. Rodriguez).

Devin Booker started slow, that didn’t matter when it mattered most.

The All-Star guard splashed a 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left to stun Dallas, 109-108, Monday night at American Airlines Arena.

Booker finished with 24 points in his first game back as he missed four consecutive games with a left hamstring strain sustained in a Jan. 22 overtime loss to Denver.

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Luka Doncic missed a desperation 3 at the buzzer as the Mavericks (8-13) have now lost six in a row in getting swept by Phoenix (11-8) in their three regular-season meetings. 

Chris Paul led the Suns with a season-high 34 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

Winners of three straight, Phoenix will conclude its three-game road trip Wednesday at New Orleans before starting a seven-game homestand Friday at Detroit.

MORE: Breaking down the bigs: Who you want in three years, Deandre Ayton or Zion Williamson?

Phoenix trailed Dallas, 53-47, at the half as the Mavericks closed the half on a 8-0 run after trailing 47-45 with 2:05 left in second quarter.

Paul had 18 points at the break on 8-of-10 shooting while Booker managed only four on 1-of-7 shooting as the Suns shot 3-of-16 on 3s in the first half.

Josh Richardson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Doncic combined for 38 points in the first half as the Mavs shot 5-of-16 on 3s in the first half.

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Devin Booker returns, hits game-winning 3 in Phoenix Suns’ stunner over Dallas Mavericks

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