PHOENIX – Jalen Green hit the game-winner for the Phoenix Suns in a 113-110 double overtime win against the Orlando Magic on Sunday, turning a perhaps forgettable performance into an unforgettable one.
Despite hitting 6 of 26 shots from the field, his final performance was the most important. A fadeaway corner 3-pointer that sealed the win.
Teammates rushed him, shit broke out in the Mortgage Matchup Center, and what could have been disappointment for the Phoenix faithful turned into pure glee.
When Green walked into the press conference room, he was surprised that it was his first NBA game-winner. But winning the game may not have been the only thing on his mind as he prepared to take the final shot.
At that point, it's double OT, we were just trying to get home," Green joked. "But like I said, my teammates, my coaches kept talking to me all night. Just keep shooting. It doesn't matter what the last shot is."
When I asked Jalen Green why he didn't think too much about taking that last shot on a tough night of shooting, he joked.
“At that point, it's double OT, we're just trying to get home.”
Continued: “But like I said, my teammates, my coaches talked to me all night long. It's just... pic.twitter.com/Lxw0JF4Qs4
- Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) 22 February 2026
Originally, the play was designed for Colin Gillespie. However, head coach Jordan Ott said Green had told Royce O'Neale to look for him if there was room.
It's safe to say there was, and the rest is history. As mentioned earlier, he took 26 shots, but most of them were his normal looks. Despite Green's obvious frustration, he continued taking his usual shots.
Every single property being promoted is something that can never be taken for granted. There must have been a good portion of game-winners in it.
Jalen Green's game-winner shows irreplaceable impact for Suns
With Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin sidelined Saturday, someone had to step up. Green wasted no time in taking matters into his own hands.
Early in the game, he seemed to settle for perimeter shots. However, as the game progressed, he attacked the paint more often and opened up shooting pockets for his teammates.
One thing remained the same: He was getting to his spots and attempting the shots he always does. Although some fans were not happy, his shot-making is what makes him stand above the rest.
"I think it's pretty normal when you miss that many games," head coach Jordan Ott said when asked about Green's streak and game-winner.
"You're not able to practice, not be able to get into much rhythm ... but what's hard is to go through that and then hit a shot like that. He's an unbelievable shot maker, unbelievable scorer. That's what those guys do."
Jordan Ott said @Amanda_Pflugrad That he still has full confidence in Jalen Green after tonight's performance.
"I think it's very normal when you miss so many games. You don't get to practice, get a lot of rhythm... but what's hard is to go through that and... pic.twitter.com/p1rUPFRA7v
- Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) 22 February 2026
His irreplaceable influence grew even more on Saturday. He could see his minutes reduced or he might not play at all if the Suns play in back-to-back contests on Sunday.
Despite this, he would likely sink his first game-winner within moments.
