Curry's 34 points lift Warriors over Suns 116-113 in physical battle
Draymond Green was ejected early in the third quarter, and three technical fouls marred a win that extends Golden State's winning streak to five games.
By Leila Reynolds ·
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Phoenix Suns 116-113 on Monday night, securing their fifth consecutive victory with a performance driven by Stephen Curry's 34 points.
Curry, who rested Sunday, recorded seven assists and six rebounds while making 11 of his 12 free throw attempts. He missed his final shot with five seconds remaining, which would have been his 52nd made free throw of the season. Charles Bassey contributed a career-high 19 points and eight rebounds for the Warriors, while Brandin Podziemski added 20 points.
The game featured intense physical play that led to three technical fouls and the early departure of Draymond Green. Green was ejected two minutes into the third quarter after receiving consecutive technicals. The incident began when Suns center Khaman Maluach pushed Green to the ground in the paint. Green rose and wrapped his arms around Maluach, throwing him to the floor, before Dillon Brooks joined the altercation. Green placed his hand on Brooks' neck, and both players received technicals. With 7:26 left in the fourth quarter, security personnel intervened to separate players who were shoving, resulting in a technical for Miles Bridges.
Phoenix relied on Devin Booker, who scored 26 points and dished out five assists before fouling out with 58 seconds remaining. The Suns held a 16-point lead at one point, trailing 39-55 with just under four minutes left in the second quarter. The Warriors responded with a 12-0 scoring run to narrow the deficit to 57-51 at halftime. Bridges finished with 21 points, and Brooks added 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
Golden State used its seventh different starting lineup in eight games, with Will Richard making his second start of the season. The win marks the midway point of a six-game homestand. Yaxel Lendeborg recorded 16 points, five assists, and five rebounds, following his career-high 37-point performance against the Clippers on Sunday.
The Warriors will host the Miami Heat on Thursday night. The Suns are scheduled to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.
