Grayson Allen’s Historic 42-Point Night Ignites Suns and Fans

Grayson Allen’s Night for the History Books

On November 10, 2025, the Phoenix Suns’ home crowd found a new hero to rally behind. Grayson Allen, often cast as a role player, seized the spotlight with a performance that will be remembered for years. As MVP chants echoed through Mortgage Matchup Center, Allen responded with a career-high 42 points, hitting a franchise-record 10 three-pointers in just 28 minutes. This wasn’t a typical night for the Suns, nor was it a typical night for Allen.

For a player who has spent much of his career in the supporting cast, Allen’s outburst was a reminder that greatness can emerge from unexpected places. As he stepped to the free-throw line, the crowd’s vocal support was palpable—so much so that even Devin Booker, the Suns’ perennial star, welcomed the chants for his teammate. “Hell yeah, I’ll share ’em every night,” Booker said, signaling the camaraderie within the squad.

A Record Set, A Rhythm Found

Allen’s shooting was nothing short of spectacular. He finished 12-for-17 from the field and an astounding 10-for-15 from deep, breaking the franchise record he’d previously shared after three games with nine threes. His third quarter alone saw him go a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc, piling up 17 points in that span. According to Stathead, only 25 other times in NBA history has a player scored at least 42 points on 17 shots or fewer.

The Suns’ offense was humming, and Allen was in full control. He admitted he had his eyes set on the 10th three-pointer once he got close, having stalled at nine on three prior occasions. Allen credited Jalen Green, sidelined by a hamstring injury but still the team’s “hype man,” for pushing him to chase the milestone. “Every time I came back to the bench, he was just amping me up to, ‘Go for 40, go for 50, go get 10 (3s),’” Allen recalled.

There was a palpable energy in the arena. Fans began watching only Allen in the fourth quarter, buzzing with anticipation every time the ball found his hands. “It puts a lot of pressure on those shots when everyone’s anticipating it going in!” Allen said, drawing a parallel to the kind of electricity Stephen Curry brings to Golden State. For one night, Phoenix had its own version of that magic.

Suns’ System Shines, Team Identity Emerges

The Suns didn’t just rely on Allen’s hot hand. Devin Booker contributed 19 points, Dillon Brooks added 18, and Royce O’Neale chipped in with four threes of his own. The team shot 44.2% from deep, making 19 of 43 attempts. The offensive flow was evident, with the ball moving crisply and multiple players getting involved—13 of the 14 Suns who played scored at least once.

This surge comes amid a transition for the Suns. After starting the season 1-4, they’ve now won five of their last six, climbing above .500 for the first time at 6-5. Much of this success is credited to head coach Jordan Ott’s pace-and-space system, which has encouraged players like Allen and O’Neale to be aggressive from three. “Don’t pass any up,” Allen said of the new mentality, noting that even missed opportunities are dissected in film sessions to encourage confidence.

Booker, for his part, dismissed the notion of a single leader or savior, emphasizing that “good teams…do it as a collective group.” He praised Ott’s system: “It’s just spacing, it’s just constant movement…hard to defend the controlled chaos.” That chaos, though, is carefully orchestrated, with precise spacing, screens, and cuts forming the backbone of the offense.

Pelicans Overwhelmed Amidst Injuries and Uncertainty

The Suns’ dominance was also a product of their opponent’s misfortune. The New Orleans Pelicans were missing several key players: Dejounte Murray, Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, and Yves Missi were all sidelined due to various injuries and illnesses. Head coach Willie Green’s future reportedly hung in the balance after a disappointing 2-8 start, and the team looked outmatched from the outset.

Phoenix raced to a 24-point lead just 18 minutes into the game, pouncing on a depleted Pelicans squad. Trey Murphy III tried to keep New Orleans afloat with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while rookies Jeremiah Fears and Saddiq Bey added 15 apiece. But the Suns’ lead ballooned to 32 in the second half, and Ott’s timely timeouts ensured there was no dramatic collapse.

Even with injuries limiting contributions from recent trade acquisitions—Jalen Green has played only five quarters, Brooks just five games, and rookie Khaman Maluach remains out of the rotation—the Suns’ new identity is taking shape. The foundation for Ott’s era is set, and fans are beginning to see what “Suns basketball” can look like when it’s clicking.

Allen’s Role Revisited: From Polarizing to Indispensable

Allen’s journey in Phoenix has not always been smooth. His playmaking sometimes drew the ire of fans, especially when turnovers or defensive mismatches cropped up. Yet, the numbers reveal that his mistakes may have been overblown, and injuries last season contributed to a temporary dip in performance. Now, Allen is averaging career highs in points (16.3), assists (4.7), and steals (1.7), thriving as a combo guard with more responsibility on the ball.

He’s often an afterthought in conversations about the Deandre Ayton trade, but Monday’s performance was a stark reminder of his value. Allen is one of the NBA’s best shooters, a player whose intelligence and effort make him a perfect fit for Ott’s system. “You gotta be able to do it whether you have it or not,” Allen said, reflecting on the importance of rhythm and involvement, whether he’s the focal point or not.

The Suns, for now, have the foundation they need. With Allen’s shooting, Booker’s consistency, and Ott’s system, Phoenix is poised for a resurgence. The team’s chemistry and shared leadership are evident, and the fans—energized by Allen’s historic night—have reason to believe that the Suns are truly back.

Grayson Allen’s record-breaking night was more than just a personal achievement—it marked a turning point for the Suns, showcasing the power of a well-constructed system and a team embracing its identity. In a league where stars often overshadow role players, Allen’s performance was a reminder that anyone, on any given night, can rewrite history and unite a city around a common goal.