PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns emerged victorious in a tightly contested match against the Golden State Warriors, clinching a 119-116 win on Tuesday night. Devin Booker’s impressive 32-point performance and Bradley Beal’s impactful return from a back injury were crucial in securing the win for Phoenix.
The game’s dynamic shifted significantly in the third quarter when Draymond Green of the Warriors was ejected after receiving a Flagrant 2 foul for hitting Jusuf Nurkic in the face. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 24 points, but it wasn’t enough to counter the Suns’ spirited play.
Phoenix entered the fourth quarter with a slim lead, which they extended thanks to a 12-0 run highlighted by a steal and reverse dunk by Booker, assisted by Jordan Goodwin. This surge put the Suns ahead 109-96 with about four minutes remaining.
The Warriors, trailing by nine points late in the game, mounted a comeback to narrow the gap to just one point with 15 seconds left. However, Booker’s calm presence at the free-throw line extended the Suns’ lead to three points. Curry’s missed 3-pointer in the final moments and Beal’s subsequent free throws sealed the victory for Phoenix, marking their third win this season against the Warriors.
Booker’s performance was outstanding, shooting 12 of 23 from the field and adding seven assists. Nurkic, despite the altercation with Green, finished with a solid double-double of 17 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
The incident involving Green, resulting in his 18th career ejection, was a focal point of the match. After a tussle with Nurkic, Green struck Nurkic’s face, leading to his immediate ejection following a review by the referees.
Beal’s return was a significant boost for the Suns, contributing 16 points in his first game since early November. The Suns’ trio of Booker, Beal, and Kevin Durant has yet to play together this season, with Durant missing the game due to an ankle sprain.
Despite a strong performance from Golden State’s bench, which contributed a combined 80 points, the Suns held on to secure the win. Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors’ bench scorers with 20 points.
The match was a showcase of resilience and skill, with both teams demonstrating moments of brilliance. The Suns’ ability to maintain composure in the game’s critical moments was key to their victory.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will face the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Suns host the Brooklyn Nets. This win for Phoenix underlines their ability to overcome challenges and perform under pressure, setting the stage for their upcoming fixtures.
