Jordan Goodwin’s career night fuels Suns comeback against Thunder

ByNBAUSA



PHOENIX— Someone had to step up for Phoenix Suns against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who is not named Devin Booker. It could have been Dillon Brooks, Colin Gillespie or Mark Williams, but it was actually Jordan Goodwin who was the answer.

Although Goodwin is known for his super skill from the jump, he could add “shooter” to that list of super skills. When the team’s offense was down, he was there to pick it up.

Being a 33% shooter from deep might look bleak to the naked eye, but the confidence underscores a career high in attempts per game. He even described on the Old Man and Three podcast how head coach Jordan Ott was in his ear to shoot the ball.

Underswings, in transition, off the catch and any other type of deep ball imaginable, Goodwin tried them. But it was moment in particular where he knew the big night was coming.

“After the second (three-pointer), I felt pretty good,” Goodwin said after the game. “I felt like my first one should have gone in, but it went in and out. Just like they kept the Book. I knew I was going to get a couple more, so I stayed confident.”

Jordan Goodwin won the Suns game against the Thunder

Although Booker’s heroics sealed the dealGoodwin got them into position. Threes might be the main talking point, but it reinforced what he’s always done.

Typically a defensive guy, adding a well-rounded offensive game has made him a mainstay in the rotation. In fact, he had the fourth most minutes in the win and played more than Gillespie and Williams.

Part of that was Goodwin’s rhythm, but part of it was his matchup with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The latter had a hard time getting around Goodwin and manipulating the defense.

He kept Gilgeous-Alexander in front of him, forced him into uncomfortable shots, but he wasn’t too handsome. Anyway, Ott wanted to acknowledge Goodwin – which he did – but he gave Booker his flowers because Goodwin put him in position.

“I’m not sure we came out without Jordan (Goodwin),” Ott said. “The ball just found him. The book ends with nine assists, but a lot of corner threes that Goody got because our superstar passed the ball.

“So just the unselfishness of the group starts with your best player. He had nine assists, but I’m sure he got hockey assists; he probably had 15. But Goody gets to points and works incredibly hard. It’s good to see him have a night like that.”

In the last five games, Goodwin averaged 13.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Work will continue to prevail because of the intangibles it brings. But the offensive output seems to be a byproduct of how well he meshes with the rest of the group.





2026-01-05 05:12:00

Similar Posts