WATCH: Kevin Durant's late heroics lead Suns past Clippers in thrilling overtime win

In a dramatic finish at the debut of the Los Angeles Clippers' new $2 billion arena in Inglewood, Kevin Durant led the Phoenix Suns to a thrilling 116-113 overtime victory. Durant's clutch shooting, including a crucial game-tying jumper with 21.2 seconds left in regulation, was the defining moment that propelled the Suns to victory.

Durant, who finished the game with 25 points, wasn’t the only standout for the Suns. Bradley Beal contributed 24 points, and Devin Booker added 15 despite fouling out late in regulation. Booker's late-game surge, after scoring just six points in the first three quarters, proved instrumental in the Suns’ win. The victory also marked the successful debut of new head coach Mike Budenholzer.

Here is the video:

KEVIN MF DURANT CLUTCH.

pic.twitter.com/1X2BLK7zB6

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 24, 2024

On the other side, James Harden put on a show for the Clippers, registering 29 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. However, Harden’s performance was marred by a missed game-tying free throw with 4.8 seconds remaining in overtime and a crucial turnover that dashed any hopes of a second overtime for the Clippers. Ivica Zubac added 21 points and nine rebounds before fouling out in overtime, while Norman Powell chipped in 17 points.

Kawhi Leonard missed the game!

The Clippers, playing without star forward Kawhi Leonard due to a knee injury, mounted a significant comeback in the second half after trailing by as many as 14 points in the second quarter. Despite their struggles, the Clippers managed to take an 88-79 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Harden came alive in the third period, scoring 13 points, helping the Clippers go into the final quarter with a 74-72 lead.

The Suns, however, clawed their way back. After an 11-0 run in the closing minutes of regulation, Phoenix Suns briefly took a 101-99 lead with 1:39 left on the clock. Harden answered with a step-back jumper and converted two free throws to give the LA Clippers a 103-101 lead. Durant’s fadeaway jumper tied the game once again, and Harden’s floater at the buzzer failed to connect, sending the game into overtime.

In the extra period, both teams traded blows, but the Suns ultimately prevailed. The Clippers had a final chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer, but Harden’s eighth turnover of the night sealed their fate. Despite the loss, the Clippers showcased their resilience, but it was Durant’s calm under pressure that stole the spotlight in this tightly contested battle.