The Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors 111-94 on Friday in a do-or-die duel that leaves the Bay Area team with an end-of-era flavor and a question mark over Steve Kerr’s continuity on the bench.
Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors faced each other in the last NBA play-in game for the last available playoff spot in the West, with the Oklahoma City Thunder awaiting an opponent.
Imposing their dominance from the start
Draymond Green gave the Warriors their first lead of the game.
But a three-pointer by Jordan Goodwin with 26 seconds left, still inside the first minute of play, put the Suns ahead and they never relinquished command.
The Phoenix Suns were up by 18 points at the end of the first quarter (33-15), and although the Golden State Warriors got within five at halftime (50-45), they were unable to complete the comeback.
Jalen Green led the Suns with 36 points and 14-of-20 shooting from the field (70%).
Including 8 of 14 (57.1 %) from the perimeter.
Devin Booker had 20 points and Goodwin 19.
For the Warriors, Stephen Curry was off the mark and was unable to repeat Wednesday’s feat against the Clippers.
Curry scored 17 points on 25 percent shooting from the field.
Tension, expulsions and doubts
Golden State’s top performer was Brandin Podziemski with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
While De’Anthony Melton, who held the team down in the third quarter, contributed 16.
Draymond Green and Devin Booker got into it in the final minutes, with nothing at stake.
Both were expelled.
Green was confronted by Phoenix fans as he left the court.
The playoff elimination at the hands of the Phoenix Suns leaves the Warriors with a veteran squad that has been hit hard by injuries.
They are left to reflect on their future, starting with the bench, and Kerr has not even clarified whether he wants to continue.
Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, all three over the age of 36, have another season left on their contracts.
Suns return to playoffs
It was a do-or-die matchup
QuéOnnda.com
For their part, the Suns return to the playoffs in Jordan Ott’s first year on the bench and after Kevin Durant’s departure to Houston.
What lies ahead of them is an almost impossible mission:
Oklahoma City are the reigning champions and have been the best team during the regular season, with 19 more wins than Phoenix.
The playoffs will kick off on Sunday at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
With information from EFE
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