In a dramatic showdown, the San Antonio Spurs secured a thrilling 115-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, thanks to a game-winning steal and breakaway dunk by Keldon Johnson with just 1.2 seconds left on the clock. The game was the first of a two-game set between the teams, with another matchup scheduled in three days.
The Suns had an 18-point lead at halftime and a 13-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter. However, the Spurs refused to give up, and a clutch jumper by rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama reduced their deficit to 114-111 with just 49 seconds remaining.
Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 27 points, while Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell each contributed 18 points. Zach Collins scored 14 points, and Tre Jones added 10 as the Spurs secured their first road win of the season.
Kevin Durant was the leading scorer for the Suns with 26 points, supported by Eric Gordon with 20 points and Grayson Allen with 19. Jusuf Nurkic recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
In other NBA action:
New York Knicks 109, Cleveland Cavaliers 91
Julius Randle recorded a double-double for the visiting New York Knicks, who pulled away in the second half to defeat the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers. Randle scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, contributing to the Knicks outscoring the Cavaliers 51-39 in the second half. The two teams are set to face each other again on Wednesday night in New York. Jalen Brunson also scored 19 points, and RJ Barrett added 16 points.
Donovan Mitchell was the highest scorer for the Cavaliers with 26 points, but they had to play without key players Darius Garland, Caris LeVert, and Jarrett Allen. Garland and LeVert were sidelined due to hamstring injuries, while Allen missed the game because of an ankle injury.
Los Angeles Clippers 118, Orlando Magic 102
Despite a slow start, Paul George delivered a standout performance with 27 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 118-102 victory over the visiting Orlando Magic. George struggled initially, missing all six of his first-quarter shots and going 2-for-10 before halftime. However, he roared back in the third quarter, sinking four 3-pointers and scoring 14 points, helping the Clippers seize control. Russell Westbrook also shone in the third quarter, contributing 16 points as the Clippers outscored the Magic 41-21.
For the Orlando Magic, Paolo Banchero scored 15 points and recorded four steals, Franz Wagner added 14 points and eight rebounds, and Moritz Wagner contributed 13 points. The Magic suffered their second consecutive loss.
