The Golden State Warriors continued their push for a favorable playoff position with a commanding victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night, triumphing 133-95 at PHX Arena. This win not only solidified their hold on the sixth seed in the Western Conference but also marked a significant bounce-back from their recent loss to the Houston Rockets.
With tip-off at 10 p.m. ET, the Warriors (46-32) entered the game as 9.5-point road favorites, a line that reflected their strong position in the standings compared to the struggling Suns (35-43). The game was broadcast live on TNT, and fans were eager to see if Golden State could maintain their momentum after a disappointing 106-96 defeat against Houston just two days prior.
Right from the start, the Warriors showcased their offensive prowess. Stephen Curry, determined to shake off a rough outing against the Rockets where he scored just three points, exploded for 13 points in the first quarter alone. By the end of the first period, Golden State led 37-24, demonstrating their intent to dominate the game.
As the game progressed, the Suns struggled to keep pace. Despite Devin Booker’s best efforts—he scored 28 points on the night—Phoenix's offense faltered without the support of Kevin Durant, who remains sidelined with a left ankle sprain. The Suns entered the match on a six-game losing streak, and it quickly became apparent that they had no answers for the Warriors’ offensive onslaught.
The second quarter saw the Warriors extend their lead, with their defense forcing turnovers and limiting Phoenix's scoring opportunities. The Suns' duo of Bradley Beal and Booker combined for a mere 28 points on 25 shots, a stark contrast to the fluid offensive display from Golden State. The Warriors' defense was relentless, winning the turnover battle 10-2 and outscoring the Suns 15-3 in points off turnovers.
At halftime, Golden State had built a commanding 69-43 lead, with Curry contributing 19 points and Brandin Podziemski adding 17. The Warriors' ability to rebound and push the pace was evident, and they continued to capitalize on the Suns' defensive lapses.
Coming out of the locker room, the Warriors maintained their intensity. Curry scored the first five points of the third quarter, quickly pushing the lead to 34 points. The Suns, who had lost their previous six games by an average of 19.6 points, were unable to mount a serious challenge. The Warriors' bench got significant playing time in the fourth quarter, allowing their starters to rest ahead of a back-to-back matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
In total, Curry finished with 25 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Podziemski scored 22 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Trayce Jackson-Davis also made a notable contribution with 13 points, showcasing the depth of the Warriors' roster. Jonathan Kuminga, Jimmy Butler III, Pat Spencer, and Kevin Knox II each chipped in with 10 points, rounding out a well-balanced scoring effort.
This victory was crucial for the Warriors as they fight to secure their playoff position, especially with the Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves closely trailing them in the standings. The Warriors now sit firmly in the sixth seed, thanks in part to the Memphis Grizzlies' earlier victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
As the regular season winds down, the Warriors are set for a pivotal showdown against the LA Clippers on Sunday, April 13, 2025. This matchup could have significant implications for playoff seeding, making every game leading up to it critical.
For the Suns, the situation is less optimistic. With Durant's absence continuing to weigh heavily on the team, their hopes of making a late-season push for the playoffs are dwindling. They now find themselves 2.5 games back of the 10th seed, and the pressure to turn things around is mounting.
Overall, the Warriors' performance against the Suns not only showcased their offensive capabilities but also highlighted the challenges facing Phoenix as they navigate the final stretch of the season without their star player. As the playoffs approach, the Warriors will look to build on this victory and solidify their position in the postseason.
