ELEVEN games are too long not to have the game’s best shooter on the roster of the Golden State Warriors or in any NBA roster for that matter.
The Warriors won only four games in his absence so his return couldn’t come any sooner. That is why players like him get paid the big bucks for games like this.
Nevertheless, the Warriors got spanked by the visiting Phoenix Suns — who themselves have injury problems with all-star guard Chris Paul and top scorer Devin Booker on the sidelines — 125-113 Wednesday morning (Manila time) in San Francisco.
Suns basketball was just more superior, attacking the California based team from all over the court.
They employed some accurate shooting from the outside and were as efficient, slashing through the Warriors interior defense. Fifth year forward Mikal Bridges has stepped it up a bit this season. Increasing his average by a point; going from 14 points to 15 points a game.
He led the Suns with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
Suns score 10 straight to win game early
It was a see-saw battle in the first quarter until Klay Thompson made a 27-foot three-pointer to increase the Warrior lead by five, 26-21. That would turn out to be the last points for the Warriors in the quarter as the Suns scored 10 straight points to end it. This carried a momentum they would not relinquish until the end of the game.
Suns lead ballooned at the end of the half 59-45 after a Duane Washington Jr. three-pointer. Things got even worse in the third quarter as the Suns bench pulled their weight by helping to pad the lead to as much as 21 points from a Jock Landale layup.
The returning Stephen Curry made it interesting in the end with a flurry of long distance shots to keep it close and with the help of Jordan Poole’s tireless energy and a three-pointer got them within six points with a minute and a half left in the game.
Sun’s resolve wouldn’t buckle though as Damion Lee shot six straight free throws to keep the Warriors at bay and won the game comfortably with Ish Wainright closing it with two more free throws.
Klay Thompson led all scorers with 29 points, Stephen Curry had 24 and Jordan Poole 27 points off the bench for the Warriors.
The Suns had three players scoring 20 points or more ending up with five players in double figures.
Golden State will travel to San Antonio next while the Phoenix Suns will try to get it going in Denver for their second of four games on the road.
