Golden State Warriors Edge Phoenix Suns on Stephen Curry’s Clutch Three
In a thrilling showdown, the Golden State Warriors clinched a narrow 113-112 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, thanks to a sensational three-pointer from Stephen Curry with just 0.7 seconds remaining. This dramatic win marks the Warriors’ sixth triumph in their last seven games.
Trailing 112-110 with a mere 3.3 seconds on the clock, Curry showcased his trademark precision, sinking a remarkable 29-footer off an inbound pass from Brandin Podziemski to secure the win. Curry’s stellar performance included 30 points, highlighted by nine three-pointers.
Despite the Suns’ formidable efforts, led by Devin Booker’s impressive 32-point performance and Kevin Durant’s contribution of 24 points, they fell short in the closing moments. Booker was fouled under the basket after Curry’s clutch shot, but the Suns couldn’t capitalize on their ensuing opportunities.
This crucial victory not only halted the Warriors’ potential sweep by the Suns in the season series but also propelled them back to .500 for the first time since December 25th. Additionally, the Warriors reclaimed the 10th seed in the Western Conference, edging past the idle Utah Jazz, setting the stage for a pivotal matchup against the Jazz on Monday night.
Throughout the game, both teams battled fiercely, with neither side gaining significant separation. The Warriors entered the fourth quarter with a slim 84-82 lead, showcasing their resilience in the clutch moments.
Contributions from Jonathan Kuminga, who added 21 points, and Draymond Green, who contributed 15 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, played pivotal roles in the Warriors’ triumph.
In a noteworthy debut, Royce O’Neale, acquired by the Suns at the trade deadline, made his presence felt with three points. However, David Roddy, the Suns’ other acquisition, did not see playing time.
The return of Gary Payton, who notched 11 points after missing the last 16 games due to a left hamstring strain, provided a significant boost for the Warriors. However, Green’s technical foul in the third quarter and heated exchanges with Suns center Jusuf Nurkic added an extra layer of intensity to the contest, highlighting the competitive spirit between the two teams.