Devin Booker delivered a stellar 27-point performance, and the Phoenix Suns rode a red-hot shooting night from beyond the arc to defeat the Golden State Warriors 113-105 on Saturday.
Booker’s scoring, combined with Kevin Durant’s 21 points and a standout effort from Tyus Jones, powered Phoenix to a much-needed victory after a disappointing home loss earlier in the week.
Jones was the unsung hero for the Suns, scoring 19 points and dishing out nine assists while shooting an impressive 7-of-9 from the field, including 4-of-5 from three-point range. Grayson Allen added 17 points as Phoenix shot a blistering 51.4% (18-of-35) from deep, overwhelming the Warriors’ defense.
Hot Start Gives Suns a Big Cushion
The Suns wasted no time seizing control, building a 66-49 halftime lead thanks to a scorching 66.7% three-point shooting clip in the first half. With their offense clicking, Phoenix controlled the tempo and forced Golden State into a game of catch-up.
Curry’s Effort Falls Short
Golden State’s Stephen Curry tried to spark a comeback, leading the Warriors with 23 points. However, the sharpshooter struggled with efficiency, hitting just 8-of-20 shots from the field. His 15-point third quarter helped cut a 17-point halftime deficit to seven heading into the final frame, but the Warriors ultimately ran out of steam.
Andrew Wiggins chipped in 18 points, while Draymond Green contributed 13, but Golden State couldn’t recover from their poor first half. Their shooting woes and turnovers in key moments hindered their chances of snapping what is now a four-game losing streak.
Key Moments Define the Fourth Quarter
Golden State made a late push, using a 9-0 run to trim Phoenix’s lead to 105-99 with under two minutes left. But Durant, despite an off shooting night (7-of-20 from the field), delivered a dagger three-pointer with 1:42 remaining to stifle the rally. Moments like these underscored the Suns’ ability to execute in high-pressure situations, something Golden State lacked.
Role Players Step Up for Phoenix
Phoenix was without key starters Bradley Beal (calf) and Jusuf Nurkic (quad), but the supporting cast rose to the occasion. Jones’ playmaking and efficient shooting, coupled with Allen’s 17 points and timely threes, provided the Suns with the depth they needed. In total, five Suns players hit at least three three-pointers, showcasing a balanced attack.
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Warriors Slipping After Strong Start
After opening the season with a 12-3 record, Golden State has hit a rough patch, dropping four straight games. Their offensive execution has been inconsistent, and defensive lapses have allowed opponents to capitalize. Saturday’s loss highlighted their struggles to contain teams with perimeter shooting firepower.
Takeaways: Suns Find Their Groove
For the Suns, this game served as a confidence booster following an embarrassing home loss to Brooklyn. Booker’s leadership and scoring were pivotal, while Jones’ ability to fill the playmaking void was critical. Despite Durant’s shooting struggles, his late-game poise helped seal the win.
Key Stats Show Suns’ Dominance
The three-point disparity was glaring, with Phoenix outshooting Golden State both in makes and efficiency. The Suns’ starting lineup combined for 15 made threes, and their defense forced the Warriors into several critical turnovers during crunch time.
What’s Next?
Golden State faces a tough road test against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday as they look to halt their skid. Meanwhile, Phoenix returns home to host the Spurs, aiming to build on Saturday’s strong performance and continue climbing the Western Conference standings.
With Booker in peak form and their supporting cast stepping up, the Suns demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity. On the flip side, the Warriors must regroup quickly to avoid letting their promising start to the season unravel.
