Story by
Suns Let Golden Opportunity Slip Away in Crushing Warriors Loss
- Story by
- Suns Let Golden Opportunity Slip Away in Crushing Warriors Loss
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Phoenix Suns (1-4) dropped a narrow loss to the Golden State Warriors (5-3) on Monday night in San Francisco.
The 115-112 defeat stings, as Phoenix held a substantial double-digit lead in the second quarter.
Advertisement
Ultimately, Jordan Ott and squad must re-assess the drawing board ahead of Wednesday's contest against the Portland Trail Blazers. In the meantime, we take a look at major takeaways from the defeat below.
Suns Miss Massive Opportunity
This was the perfect chance for the Suns to experience a "get-right" game after a two-week stretch full of humbling moments.
The first 20 minutes of the game were promising. The last five minutes were as well, prior to a couple of key defensive lapses and Devin Booker fouling out with under a minute left in the game.
Ultimately, the Suns lost this game by virtue of being out-coached and out-executed. Steve Kerr had a masterful response to Draymond Green's third-quarter ejection. Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski both made several shots in the clutch.
Advertisement
Now, Phoenix is back to square one in search of piling up victories to compete in a wide-open Western Conference. There are three more opportunities to do so this week, but early indications don't shine positively on the team taking advantage.
Several Individual Players Deserve Mentions
Three individual players deserve mentions for their performance despite the loss.
Oso Ighodaro came through in several massive moments. The third-year center continues to prove his value in multiple facets, including as a passer and a versatile inside-outside defensive piece. Today, the 6'10" center provided a great deal of value as a scorer. The 24-year-old went 6-6 from the floor and pitched in 14 points, which was fourth on the team.
Advertisement
Miles Bridges had his most complete performance as a member of the Suns. The Michigan State product was active on defense the entire night, which reflects in the four steals he collected throughout the game. The former lottery pick also shot 3-5 from three-point range, dished out three assists, and only turned the ball over once.
This game should serve as a bit of a confidence boost that he is finding his new role and can excel in it.
Jalen Green had a rough scoring night, missing crucial free throws and going just 5-14 from the floor. However, the former number two overall pick put together a playmaking showcase. The 24-year-old also connected his best playmaking performance of the season with his best on the defensive side of the ball.
