By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 00:51 EDT, 25 March 2025 | Updated: 00:51 EDT, 25 March 2025
PHOENIX (AP) - Devin Booker made a mid-range jumper with 1.7 seconds remaining to lift the Phoenix Suns over the Milwaukee Bucks 108-106 on Monday night for their fourth straight win.
It's a crucial victory for the Suns, who stayed in the final position for the Western Conference play-in tournament with eight games remaining in the regular season. Kevin Durant scored 38 points, while Booker added 19, including the clutch 20-foot jumper after catching the in-bounds pass in the final moments.
Brook Lopez missed a turnaround jumper at the buzzer that could have tied it, ending a frantic final stretch. Milwaukee was led by Giannis Antetokoumpo, who scored 31 points. Lopez added 23.
Milwaukee's Kyle Kuzma hit a corner 3-pointer with 1:22 left while being fouled by Durant and completed the 4-point play for a 105-103 lead. Durant responded with a 3 with 26.2 seconds left to put the Suns up 106-105.
Lopez made 1 of 2 free throws with 10.7 seconds left to tie it at 106, setting up Booker's winner.
Durant scored 13 points in the third quarter to help the Suns take an 81-78 advantage into the fourth.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) drives against Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 24, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Bucks: It's a tough loss for the Bucks, who are fighting for the No. 3 through No. 6 playoff positions in the Eastern Conference with the Knicks, Pacers and Pistons.
Suns: Coach Mike Budenholzer has tinkered with the playing rotation all season in an effort to find a competitive group to put around Booker and Durant. The current mix of Nick Richards, rookie Ryan Dunn and Collin Gillespie isn't perfect, but its been better than most.
Dunn threw down a huge one-handed jam over Antetokounmpo in the third quarter for a 68-67 lead.
Phoenix had a 52-36 rebounding edge.
The Bucks are on the road against the Nuggets on Wednesday; The Suns host the Celtics on Wednesday.
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Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) drives on Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 24, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) drives against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, center left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 24, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts to a call against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 24, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)