A dramatic, comeback-laden contest at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona delivered one of the most memorable moments of the 2025-26 NBA season, as the Phoenix Suns defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-105 on Sunday night, January 4, 2026 — a result whose final twist defined the entire Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns timeline.
Tip-off came at approximately 7:00 PM Central Time, broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network, with the league-best Thunder arriving at 30-5 on a four-game winning streak and Phoenix desperate to avenge their record 138-89 thrashing at Oklahoma City’s hands just weeks earlier.
First Half: Thunder Surge Ahead By 18
Oklahoma City came out firing, with Luguentz Dort setting an aggressive tone and the Thunder building a 24-9 first quarter lead as the Suns missed their first eight three-point attempts.
By the second quarter, Oklahoma City stretched their advantage to 18 points, leading 49-31 and appearing to be on course for another comfortable victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had five points and two assists at that stage, while Jalen Williams and Dort both contributed 10 points apiece before the break.
Phoenix, however, launched an 11-0 closing run to narrow the gap to 49-42 at half-time, with Jordan Goodwin leading the Suns’ bench response with nine first-half points.
- Thunder led 24-9 after Q1
- Suns missed first eight three-point attempts
- OKC’s advantage reached 18 points
- Half-time score: Thunder 49, Suns 42
A Pivotal Swing in the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns Timeline
The third quarter belonged to Phoenix, as Booker caught fire after a quiet first half and the Suns outscored the Thunder to edge ahead 74-73 by the end of the period.
Ryan Dunn’s three-pointer was a key moment that put Phoenix in front, capping a stunning turnaround from an 18-point deficit.
Goodwin continued to be extraordinary from the bench, connecting at an elite clip from behind the arc throughout.
The Thunder led throughout 80% of the game, but the Suns’ relentless pressure had turned the contest into a one-possession battle entering the fourth.
- Suns outscored Thunder in Q3 to lead 74-73
- Dunn’s 3-pointer gave Phoenix the lead
- Booker tallied 17 points and 7 assists in Q3 alone
Booker’s Unforgettable Finish
Dillon Brooks converted a tough three-pointer over Gilgeous-Alexander with 36 seconds remaining to put Phoenix ahead 105-101, only for the Thunder to claw back and tie the contest at 105.
With 0.7 seconds on the clock, Booker received the inbound pass and drained a go-ahead three from the left wing over Alex Caruso.
Ajay Mitchell’s last-gasp corner three at the buzzer fell short, sealing a 108-105 Phoenix victory and snapping Oklahoma City’s four-game winning streak.
Booker finished with 24 points, nine assists and six rebounds; Goodwin posted career-highs of 26 points and eight three-pointers.
- Final score: Suns 108, Thunder 105
- Booker game-winner: 3-pointer with 0.7 seconds remaining
- Goodwin: 26 pts (career-high), 8 three-pointers (career-high)
- Thunder record fell to 30-6; Suns improved to 21-14
Full Match Timeline
| Period | Thunder | Suns | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 End | 26 | 20 | OKC dominate early |
| Peak lead | 49 | 31 | Thunder up 18 in Q2 |
| Half-time | 49 | 42 | Suns 11-0 closing run |
| Q3 End | 73 | 74 | Suns edge ahead |
| Q4 (late) | 105 | 105 | Tied after OKC rally |
| 36 sec left | 101 | 105 | Brooks 3 for PHX |
| 0.7 sec left | 105 | 108 | Booker go-ahead three |
| Final | 105 | 108 | Suns win |
Key Match Player Stats
| Player | Team | Points | Assists | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Booker | PHX | 24 | 9 | Game-winning three |
| Jordan Goodwin | PHX | 26 | — | Career-high pts & threes |
| Dillon Brooks | PHX | 22 | — | Clutch 3 with 36 sec left |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | OKC | 25 | 6 | Led Thunder; reigning MVP |
| Jalen Williams | OKC | 23 | 7 | Key second scorer |
| Chet Holmgren | OKC | 18 | — | 9 rebounds, 2 blocks |
Team Stats
| Stat | Thunder | Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 48% (39-82) | 44% (35-79) |
| Three Point % | 31% (10-32) | 40% (17-43) |
| Free Throw % | 89% (17-19) | 72% (21-29) |
| Rebounds | 29 | 49 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 16 |
| Largest Lead | 18 | 4 |