What was going through Jalen Green’s mind before the Suns’ OT game winner against the Magic

PHOENIX – In what could have been a forgettable performance, it became unforgettable afterwards Jaylen Green hit the game winner for the Phoenix Suns in their 113-110 double overtime win against the Orlando Magic on Sunday.

Despite shooting 6-for-26 from the field, his final goal was the most important. A missed 3-pointer from the corner that sealed the win.

His teammates rushed him, the Mortgage Center unstuck, and what could have been a disappointment for the Phoenix faithful turned into pure joy.

When Green entered the press conference, he was surprised that this was his first NBA game winner. But winning the game maybe it wasn’t the only thing in mind as he prepared to deliver the final blow.

At that point, it’s double OT, we’re just trying to go home,” Green joked. “But like I said, my teammates, my coaches have been talking to me all night. Just keep shooting. It doesn’t matter what the last shot is.”

Jaylen Green joked when I asked him how he wasn’t overdoing the last shot given the tough shooting night.

“At that point, it’s double OT, we’re just trying to go home.”

Follow-up: “But like I said, my teammates, my coaches have been talking to me all night. Just keep going… pic.twitter.com/Lkv0JF4Ks4

— Hayden Cilley (@HaidenCilley) February 22, 2026

Originally, the play was designed for Colin Gillespie. However, head coach Jordan Ott said Green told Royce O’Neal to look him up if there was room.

It can be said that it was, and the rest is history. As mentioned earlier, he took 26 snaps, but most of them were his usual looks. Although Green was visibly frustrated, he continued to take his usual shots.

Encouraging every possession is something that can never be taken for granted. It may have had its fair share of game winners.

Jaylen Green’s game-winner shows an irreplaceable impact for the Suns

With Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin out on Saturday, someone had to step up. Green wasted no time taking matters into his own hands.

Before the start of the game, it seemed that he was content with shots from the perimeter. However, as the game progressed, he attacked the paint more often and opened up shooting pockets for his teammates.

One thing remained the same: he was getting to his spots and trying the shots he always does. Although some fans weren’t happy, his recording was what makes it above the rest.

“I think it’s pretty normal when you miss that many games,” head coach Jordan Ott said when asked about Green’s hit and game-winner.

“You’re not able to practice, you’re not able to get a lot of rhythm … but what’s hard is to go through that and then hit a shot like that. He’s an incredible shot creator, an incredible shooter. That’s what those guys do.”

Jordan Ott said yes @Amanda_Pflugrad that even after tonight’s performance, he had all the confidence in Jalen Green.

“I think it’s pretty normal when you miss so many games. You’re not able to practice, you’re not able to get into a lot of rhythm… but what’s difficult is going through it and… pic.twitter.com/p1rUPFRA7v

— Hayden Cilley (@HaidenCilley) February 22, 2026

His irreplaceable influence was reinforced even more on Saturday. With the Suns playing in a back-to-back contest on Sunday, his minutes could be reduced or he might not play at all.

Regardless, he’ll likely soak in the next few moments of his first game-winner.