The Suns were facing an excruciating 1-4 start to the season Friday night as they trailed the Memphis Grizzlies on their home floor 98-94 with under four seconds to play, but then Jason Richardson happened.
The former slam dunk champion known simply as “J-Rich” banked in a three from about 30 feet out with 1.1 seconds left on the clock to cut the Memphis lead to one.
After a quick foul by Steve Nash, Rudy Gay made one of two free throws to push the lead to two with 0.4 of a second remaining.
The next play would ultimately turn momentum in favor of the Suns for good.
Grant Hill inbounded as Richardson ran off a screen and elevated to tap in a perfect pass at the rim. The ball rolled around the cylinder for a moment before the buzzer finally sounded.
Phoenix would go on to win the game in double overtime 123-118 behind Richardson’s 38 points and Steve Nash’s 25 point effort, including 13 points in the two overtimes.
However, more intriguing than the win itself was the final play of regulation. No play is more telling of the fight and perseverance of these Suns than Richardson’s buzzer beater.
Time and time again, when everything seems lost and gone, the Suns create a chance. Often times they fail in that moment but they have always given themselves the opportunity, and that’s why we love them.
Friday night’s victory was more than just another tally in the win column, it was an example of what happens when a team never quits, even after trailing by 18 points after two consecutive home losses.
It’s no wonder that Jason Richardson and Steve Nash’s post game hug lasted longer than usual Friday night. Both had lived up to the old cliche’ and left everything on the floor, and the Suns’ season was revived.
Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.
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