The Golden State Warriors survived a very physical matchup against the Phoenix Suns , escaping with a 116-113 victory behind another spectacular performance from Stephen Curry . The superstar guard finished with 34 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, knocking down five three-pointers while converting 11 of his 12 free throws.
Curry delivered when Golden State needed him most, helping the Warriors overcome a difficult shooting night and a Suns team that controlled much of the contest. Phoenix shot 47.1% from the field compared to Golden State's 42.9%, but the Warriors found a way to win through their free-throw advantage and offensive rebounding.
Yaxel Lendeborg contributed 16 points and five assists, while Brandin Podziemski added 20 points. The Warriors also received a massive boost from their bench, with Charles Bassey and Georges Niang combining for 32 points.
Golden State ultimately prevailed despite shooting just 31.0% from three-point range, demonstrating the importance of Curry's individual brilliance and the team's ability to capitalize at the free-throw line.
Here are the Warriors player ratings from their hard-fought victory over Phoenix.
Game Stats: 34 PTS, 6 REB, 7 AST, 1 STL, 3 TOV, 9-21 FG, 5-13 3-PT FG, 11-12 FT, 33 MIN
Curry once again proved why he remains one of basketball's most dangerous offensive players. His 34 points led Golden State, and he consistently found ways to generate offense against a Phoenix defense that made things difficult for the Warriors throughout the night.
The five three-pointers were important, but Curry's ability to get to the free-throw line ultimately made the difference. He converted 11 of 12 attempts, providing Golden State with a crucial scoring advantage.
Seven assists and six rebounds rounded out an excellent all-around performance. Curry wasn't particularly efficient from the field, but when the Warriors needed a closer, he delivered.
Game Stats: 19 PTS, 8 REB, 1 AST, 1 TOV, 7-10 FG, 5-6 FT, 23 MIN
Bassey was one of Golden State's biggest surprises, delivering 19 points and eight rebounds in just 23 minutes.
He was extremely efficient around the basket, converting seven of 10 field-goal attempts while adding five free throws. His production off the bench provided a significant boost when the Warriors needed additional scoring beyond Curry.
Game Stats: 20 PTS, 3 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 3 TOV, 7-15 FG, 3-8 3-PT FG, 3-4 FT, 33 MIN
Podziemski provided a valuable scoring complement to Curry, finishing with 20 points while knocking down three triples.
His shooting efficiency wasn't spectacular, but he consistently looked for opportunities to contribute offensively. Three turnovers were a concern, although his scoring production helped Golden State maintain its offensive pressure.
Game Stats: 16 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 2 TOV, 3-10 FG, 2-6 3-PT FG, 8-9 FT, 29 MIN
Lendeborg struggled with his shooting efficiency, but his ability to get to the free-throw line helped him finish with 16 points.
He also contributed five rebounds and five assists, giving Golden State another productive all-around performance. His defensive activity included a steal and a block, although the four fouls were something to monitor.
Game Stats: 13 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST, 5-6 FG, 1-2 3-PT FG, 2-3 FT, 22 MIN
Niang was outstanding in limited opportunities, finishing with 13 points on an efficient 5-6 shooting performance.
He added four rebounds and three assists without committing a turnover. His ability to provide efficient scoring off the bench was particularly valuable in a game where Golden State struggled to find consistent shooting.
Game Stats: 2 PTS, 7 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL, 1-9 FG, 0-5 3-PT FG, 0-1 FT, 28 MIN
Melton came in with a ton of energy on defense, but his offense didn't follow. He struggled with his shot, missing eight shots and going a brutal 0-5 from three.
But the defensive player had some important plays, particularly in crashing the boards, so a B is fair considering the Warriors came out with a win.
Game Stats: 4 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 1 TOV, 1-2 FG, 2-2 FT, 17 MIN
Green provided some defensive activity and playmaking in limited minutes, recording four rebounds and two assists.
His offensive involvement was minimal, but he contributed a steal and avoided major mistakes. The 17-minute appearance limited his overall impact.
Game Stats: 6 PTS, 5 REB, 1 BLK, 1 TOV, 2-7 FG, 2-5 3-PT FG, 28 MIN
Richard tried to get his shots up, but they weren't really falling. He did enough to earn him a C+ considering he was a starter in a very physical matchup and contributed off the box score as much as he could.
Game Stats: 2 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 2 TOV, 1-3 FG, 0-2 3-PT FG, 20 MIN
Payton II struggled badly with his shooting, finishing just 1-3 from the field and 0-2 from three.
However, he made his presence felt elsewhere. His defensive activity and rebounding helped compensate for the offensive struggles, so a C+ is fair.
Game Stats: 7 MIN
Ike saw limited action and didn't have enough opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Game Stats: 0-1 FG, 0-1 3-PT FG, 1 MIN
Cryer appeared briefly and didn't have enough opportunities to contribute meaningfully.
