The match starts on a high note. Kevin Durant responds to Draymond Green from afar, Tyus Jones (19 points, 9 assists) does the same with Brandin Podziemski while the Suns and the Warriors do not let go of each other (20-20). It took the thunderous awakening of Devin Booker in the last four minutes of the first quarter, with 10 points and 4 assists, to put Phoenix in front (35-29).
After making 7/10 3-pointers in the first twelve minutes of the match, Phoenix continued its momentum. Grayson Allen (17 points) and Monte Morris hit from afar on the first two possessions of the second quarter to double the gap (41-29).
A winning shot from Andrew Wiggins (18 points) revives the Warriors, but the Suns dominate this first half. Grayson Allen does it again and Phoenix returns to the locker room with a 17-point lead (66-49).
Curry's heatstroke
Transparent so far, Stephen Curry (23 points) opens the second half with a 3-point shot to launch a 7-0 for Golden State (66-56). As Curry mounts pressure, it's Devin Booker who responds to him. The Warriors leader, however, insists and the Phoenix defense can do nothing to slow him down. He scored 15 of his team's 29 points in the third quarter to reduce the gap to -7 (85-78).
Another Olympic gold medalist takes over: Kevin Durant. The former Warrior scores 10 points in the quarter to launch a 14-3 which gives the Suns a 17-point lead (103-86)!
With five minutes to play, Golden State does not give up. Jonathan Kuminga (12 points) and Stephen Curry bring their team back to -5 (108-103), but incredible defensive possession from Kevin Durant allows Phoenix to repel the Dubs' final attacks to win.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Fourth defeat in a row for Golden State. After San Antonio, Brooklyn and Oklahoma City, the Warriors have fallen again and their defense is once again to blame. While they were on the same wavelength during the first fifteen matches of the season, Steve Kerr's men fell back into their failings of last season. They have problems containing the ball carrier and, behind, the rotations arrive without the slightest rigor, offering many open shots. Last night, the Suns finished at 51% from 3-point range. Stephen Curry's teammates will try to react in Denver overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday.
– Devin Booker and Kevin Durant took turns. The two Phoenix stars took turns hurting Golden State. Devin Booker caught fire at the end of the first quarter to put the Suns in front and outbid in the third quarter to avoid seeing Stephen Curry bring the Warriors back to the Suns. Kevin Durant then took over to win the match with a “vintage” final quarter on both sides of the field.
– Grayson Allen and Tyus Jones decisive. Starting in place of Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen scored 13 of his 17 points in the second quarter, allowing Phoenix to make a difference which was decisive. He was also useful in defense. Tyus Jones left his mark on the game to make his scorers shine. He delivered 9 assists for only 1 lost ball, and added 19 points on 7/9 shots. The almost perfect match for the leader.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
