Horry Scale: Randle’s 3 beats buzzer, sinks Suns

A reminder on The Horry Scale: It breaks down a game-winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) in the categories of difficulty, game situation (was the team tied or behind at the time?), importance (playoff game or garden-variety night in November?) and celebration. Then we give it an overall grade on a scale of 1-5 Robert Horrys, named for the patron saint of last-second answered prayers.
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The casts were different in Minnesota and Phoenix’s first meeting since the 2024 postseason. No one was more ready to seize a starring role than Julius Randle.
The veteran All-NBA forward capped his 35-point night with a straightaway 3-pointer that sent the Timberwolves crowd into a frenzy and the Suns home with a 120-117 defeat.
GAME SITUATION: With the game tied 117-117, the Timberwolves had 2.7 seconds remaining to either claim the win or risk overtime against a Suns team led by Devin Booker’s 44 points. Randle was the secondary option, a necessary one once Phoenix elected to deny Anthony Edwards on the inbounds pass.
DIFFICULTY: A natural lefty, Randle was forced to create a shot after catching the ball at the logo while driving to his right. The 6-foot-9 forward created space against the 6-4 Josh Okogie, side-stepped into a 3-pointer and was already backpedaling to halfcourt when the shot hit bottom.
CELEBRATION: The Minnesota crowd became an instant celebration party, relishing victory after the Wolves trailed by eight with 4:12 remaining. Randle raised his arms as if to soak up the atmosphere even as his teammates raced to embrace and congratulate him.

GRADE: Every win in the West will matter come April’s playoff race. Randle cementing one victory in this fashion matters far more than a single box score result. As for the play itself, it will surely be a candidate for the Timberwolves’ best by the time this season comes to a close. 3 Horrys.