Devin Booker reveals what sparked the Suns’ big win against the Knicks

PHOENIX – Trust is a word synonymous with Phoenix Suns. It is something that has been developing since the summer and something that manifests itself in late situations.

However, the Culture and identity of the Sun shone again on the back Devin Booker.

In Friday’s 112-107 win against the New York Knicks, there were plenty of moments where the game could have swung in New York’s favor. After all, there were 13 lead changes and 10 times the game was tied.

They have shown the ability to beat inferior teams, but teams like the Knicks are the next step. After Phoenix shut out the Oklahoma City Thunder in passing, Friday’s game it was semolina.

“We all understand that we need each other to win,” Booker explained after the game. “I think the hero ball could get you through a game or two.

“When it comes down to it, deeper into the season or the playoffs, the defense tightens up and all five guys on the field have to be a threat.”

I asked Devin Booker how he sees confidence grow during late-game scenarios.

“We all understand that we need each other to win. I think the hero ball could get you through a game or two. When it comes down to the nitty gritty, deeper into the season or the playoffs, . . . pic.twitter.com/MKKSkgCSeV8

— Hayden Cilley (@HaidenCilley) January 10, 2026

Devin Booker feels the Suns’ trust in each other

As the head of the Phoenix serpent, they all have left to Booker in those late game scenarios. It’s not always for the last shot, but it can be for some simple encouragement or truth.

Open dialogue is something that comes from head coach Jordan Ott. Since taking the head coaching job in the Valley of the Sun, he has implemented one key thing.

Communication.

He stated that it is the backbone of a successful basketball team. It can be said that this was the case with Phoenix. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas can improve.

“Just being in it together,” Ott said when asked about how he’s seen confidence grow in late-game scenarios. “We go through it, and then we have honest conversations afterwards. We did it after Houston, the OKC game, Memphis.

“We can talk about some situations where you don’t have a lot of time to practice. We can still be honest with each other and then make it collaborative.”

I asked Jordan Ott after the game how he sees the confidence level rise in late-game situations:

“Just being in it together. We go through it, and then we have honest conversations afterwards. We did it after Houston, the OKC game, Memphis. We’re able to talk about some situations… pic.twitter.com/48tc7kULBU

— Hayden Cilley (@HaidenCilley) January 10, 2026

A collaborative process seems to be the recipe for success with the Suns 8-2 over their last 10 games. They’ll have a chance to close out a short game at home against the Washington Wizards, who just acquired Trae Young in a blockbuster deal.