Phoenix Suns’ Booker’s iconic winning shot resonates five years later

During the 2019-2020 season, the NBA suspended play due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league restarted the season in July 2020 in a “bubble” environment, in which all teams played in Florida under COVID-19 regulations.

Phoenix played eight of its games in the bubble environment.

On Aug. 4, 2020, the Suns were tied against the Los Angeles Clippers in the final seconds, 115-115, with either team needing only one shot to seal a win. As time was running down, Booker shot a fadeaway jumper for the win over the Clippers’ Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.

The moment helped keep Phoenix’s undefeated record in bubble play, with Booker’s pose sending Suns fans into a frenzy. Booker’s slide was made into a bobblehead to give away to fans, with some calling it a turning point in the guard’s career.

After 2020

Booker went on to be an All-Star in 2020. The team missed the playoffs, but the Suns used the momentum to fuel them to the NBA Finals in 2021. Although they fell short, the shift in the franchise was felt by Booker’s contributions in 2020.

Booker solidified himself further as the Suns’ franchise player and continued to break records in his time with Phoenix — with the “bubble beater” as one of his top highlights.

Five years later, Phoenix continues to remember the buzzer-beating moment, proving that Booker’s winning shot is still felt within the organization.