The Golden State Warriors delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday, April 9, 2025, defeating the Phoenix Suns 133-95 in a game that showcased their dominance from start to finish. This victory not only solidified the Warriors' position in the playoff race but also marked the Suns' seventh consecutive loss, eliminating them from playoff contention.
With this win, the Warriors improved their record to 41-38, placing them at No. 6 in the Western Conference standings. They now share the same record with the No. 4 LA Clippers, No. 5 Denver Nuggets, and No. 7 Memphis Grizzlies, while trailing the No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers by just one game and leading the No. 8 Minnesota Timberwolves by a single game.
In a game where the outcome was never in doubt, the Warriors were led by their star player, Steph Curry, who scored 25 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists in just 26 minutes of play. Curry's performance was a stark contrast to his previous outing, where he struggled with his shooting. "Curry was in complete control of this game. Complete control. Got wherever he wanted. Did whatever he wanted," noted the game analyst.
Brandin Podziemski also shone brightly, contributing 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, while shooting an impressive 7-for-12 from the field, including 4-for-6 from beyond the arc. Over the last four games, Podziemski is averaging an eye-popping 23.8 points, showcasing his breakout potential. His defensive efforts against Phoenix's Bradley Beal were equally commendable, earning him an A+ grade for the night.
The Warriors' defense was relentless, with Moses Moody emerging as a standout performer. Moody, who scored 5 points and had 3 rebounds, was pivotal in limiting Suns' star Devin Booker to a mere 21 points on 7-for-17 shooting. Moody's on-ball defense was a key factor in Booker's struggles, as he forced the All-Star guard into committing five turnovers during the game.
Draymond Green, while not scoring much with only 5 points, contributed significantly on the defensive end, recording 4 assists and 2 steals, and his presence was felt throughout the game. His ability to facilitate and direct the Warriors' defense remains invaluable, even if his scoring output fluctuates.
Jimmy Butler III added 10 points and 3 assists, playing an essential role in the Warriors' strategy. His experience and defensive capabilities were critical in maintaining the team's momentum. Butler's low-scoring output is not a concern for the Warriors, as his ability to impact the game goes beyond just numbers.
Other contributors included Trayce Jackson-Davis, who made the most of his opportunity with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and a perfect shooting night from the field. His performance was particularly impressive given that he had been out of the rotation for an extended period. Jackson-Davis’s ability to stay ready and deliver when called upon speaks volumes about his professionalism and dedication.
For the Suns, Devin Booker expressed his frustration after the game, stating, "There's no answer for it. There's no words for it. Nothing I can say can really make it better." This loss leaves the Suns at 35-44, firmly in the 11th seed of the Western Conference, and they are now on a seven-game losing streak. With this defeat, they have been officially eliminated from playoff contention, needing to win their remaining three games while hoping the Dallas Mavericks lose theirs to have any chance at the play-in tournament.
Following the blowout loss, the Suns will look to regroup as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next game. Despite their struggles, the Suns have a solid home record of 23-16 this season, which they will aim to leverage in their upcoming matchup.
The Warriors' victory not only boosts their playoff hopes but also serves as a reminder of their potential as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. With key players finding their rhythm and a strong defensive effort, the Warriors look poised to make a significant impact in the playoffs.
As the season winds down, all eyes will be on both teams as they navigate the challenges ahead. The Warriors aim to solidify their playoff position, while the Suns will seek to end their season on a high note, despite the disappointment of missing out on the postseason.
