PHOENIX — The Warriors had a chance—once. But this time, they couldn’t pull it off.
After leading by double digits in their prior play-in game, they found themselves down early again, scoring just a single basket in their first outing before ultimately losing to the Suns, 111-96.
In a high-stakes battle for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, it wasn’t Curry or Booker who made the biggest impact.
Jalen Green exploded for an impressive 36 points, hitting eight three-pointers. That was quite a step up from his 29 points against the Blazers, and Golden State had no real response to his offensive prowess.
Curry had shined in their comeback win over the Clippers, racking up 35 points (27 in the second half), but here he struggled—managing only 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting. They just couldn’t get it going, only managing 15 points in the first quarter while falling behind by 18.
Brandin Podzemski led the Warriors with 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but he also contributed to the 21 turnovers that cost Golden State dearly, with the Suns capitalizing on those mistakes for 30 points.
While Draymond Green and Gary Payton II kept Booker and Dillon Brooks from hitting their season averages (33 combined points), they still couldn’t contain Green, who was on fire that night.
Tempers flared as both Green and Booker were ejected late in the game after a heated exchange, which led to multiple technical fouls.
What It Means
Last year’s Miami Heat remain the only No. 10 seed to make the playoffs from the play-ins, and now Golden State finds its season at a close.
The Warriors currently own the 11th-best odds in the draft lottery, with a 9.4% chance for a top-four pick and just a 2% chance for the first overall selection.
Turning Point
Early on, the Warriors quickly fell into a deep deficit against the Suns. Unlike their previous two games, where they rallied back, they never recovered from a 13-2 start by Phoenix.
At the end of the first quarter, they were trailing 33-15.
Despite a brief spark from Curry that brought the score to 47-45 just before halftime, the team was unable to gain any significant ground. Golden State tried to stay in the game, but Green’s eighth three-pointer pushed the Suns’ lead to 90-78, and the Warriors couldn’t close that gap again.
MVP: Jaylen Green
Green, who grew up in the Warriors’ hometown, had a history with Curry that fueled his determination. His performance was pivotal, almost single-handedly sealing the Warriors’ fate this season.
When he sank his eighth three-pointer in the fourth quarter, it matched the total combined three-pointers made by the Warriors at that point, who ultimately finished with 11.
Match Record: 16 to 4 at Bats
After his outstanding performance two nights prior, Curry seemed drained. He had a hard time finding his rhythm early, attempting fewer shots than seven other players in the first quarter and missing the mark when he tried to change the game himself.
His field goal percentage of 26.7% was the lowest among all players who attempted three or more shots, and he contributed to four of the Warriors’ turnovers.
Jordan Goodwin, his primary defender, recorded six steals.
To the Next
The Warriors might now turn their eyes to next season, hoping for one last ride with Curry. With a year remaining on their contracts, he and Green are left to ponder what lies ahead. A pressing question for the franchise is whether Steve Kerr will lead them into another season, especially since his previous contract also expires, and he hasn’t shared plans for the future.
