Suns Eliminate Warriors, Face Thunder in First-Round Clash
Phoenix secured a 111-96 victory over Golden State in Friday’s play-in game. The win earned the Suns the West’s No. 8 seed.
Final score and seeding
Jalen Green led Phoenix with 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting. He was 8-of-14 from long range.
Devin Booker added 20 points. Jordan Goodwin finished with 19 points, nine rebounds and six steals.
How the game unfolded
Phoenix opened with a 13-2 run after the Warriors committed four early turnovers. The Suns closed the first quarter up 33-15.
Golden State shot 30 percent in the opening period, making only one of nine from distance. The Warriors rallied to cut the margin to 50-45 by halftime.
Phoenix extended the lead to 69-53 late in the third quarter. The Suns led 85-72 with 10:12 left in the fourth.
Stephen Curry hit a 3-pointer to make it 85-78 with 9:30 to play. The Suns answered with the next seven points to regain control.
Player performances
- Jalen Green: 36 points (14-20 FG, 8-14 3PT).
- Devin Booker: 20 points; ejected late after receiving two technicals.
- Jordan Goodwin: 19 points, nine rebounds, six steals.
- Stephen Curry: 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting.
- Brandin Podziemski: team-high 23 points for Golden State.
- Kristaps Porzingis: 11 points in 15 minutes while dealing with right ankle soreness.
Incidents and discipline
Devin Booker and Draymond Green exchanged words late in the fourth quarter. Each was assessed two technicals and ejected.
Significance and next steps
The Suns avoided becoming the first team to lose both play-in games at home since the current format began in 2021. Golden State’s season ended with the loss.
Phoenix will now face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday in Game 1. The matchup sets up a tough first-round meeting.
Filmogaz.com will provide further coverage and analysis ahead of the opening round. Fans can expect detailed previews and injury updates before the series begins.
