By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Phoenix Suns gathered their composure late in the game after letting their double-digit lead slip away, 123-115, and nipped the Golden State Warriors in the ongoing NBA season last November 23, 2023.
After blowing the game wide-open when the Suns swelled their cushion to as much as 23 points midway through the quarter, Phoenix thought they were pretty much in control heading into the final frame.
However, Golden State had a load of contributions from their bench scoring to get to within three points, 118-115, with only 19 seconds left in the game.
Fortunately, the Suns averted a mental collapse and cashed in two shots from the charity stripe courtesy of Devin Booker that sealed the win.
Golden State went firing from all cylinders in the opening quarter after Klay Thompson shot the ball efficiently from the three-point territory.
Facing a five-point deficit entering the second quarter, the Suns made it known that their point of attack was to dominate the shaded lane and get to the free-throw line at will in the next 12 minutes of action.
Kevin Durant and Booker then flipped the switch in the last seven minutes of the second quarter to help the Suns clinch a double-digit advantage at the half, 63-47.
Golden State then figured in a tough sequence when floor general Chris Paul was tossed out of the game after receiving his second technical foul.
Without Paul, the Warriors looked flat in running their sets and missed the boost that they used to have when the savvy guard was inside the court with Stephen Curry and Thompson.
Phoenix was led by Durant who dropped 32 points alongside eight rebounds, two blocks, and two assists while Booker added 25 points and 10 dimes.
The Suns also had solid contributions from their role players as Josh Okogie chipped in 12 points, a steal, and a block, while veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon had 13 points and three steals.
With the huge victory, the Suns just racked its fifth straight win and will put their winning streak on the line against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 25, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Warriors continued their woes as they lost four of their five last games and will aim to bounce back against the San Antonio Spurs.
