Jonathan Kuminga delivered another standout performance, scoring 34 points to help the Golden State Warriors secure a 109-105 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Kuminga’s clutch free throws in the final moments sealed the win, marking his second consecutive game with 34 points.
Golden State (16-15) trailed by one point with 29 seconds left when Kuminga drew a foul on Kevin Durant during an out-of-bounds play. He calmly sank both free throws, giving the Warriors a lead they would not relinquish.
The Suns (15-16) failed to answer as Durant, who led Phoenix with 31 points, missed a potential go-ahead jumper on the ensuing possession.
Dennis Schroder extended Golden State’s lead with two free throws following a loose-ball foul by Phoenix. The Warriors, who held the Suns without a field goal for the final 6:48 of the game, leaned on their defense to close out a much-needed win.
Stephen Curry contributed 22 points, including a highlight-reel floater to beat the halftime buzzer. Draymond Green added 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Warriors opened their six-game homestand on a high note after dropping six of their previous seven contests.
Phoenix entered halftime with a 65-61 lead but faltered down the stretch. Bradley Beal scored 28 points, and Ryan Dunn added 15, but the Suns couldn’t overcome Durant’s late miss and a string of defensive lapses.
The absence of Jusuf Nurkic, who began a three-game suspension, and the mid-game departure of Royce O’Neale with an ankle injury compounded their struggles.
The Warriors benefited from Kuminga’s dynamic play on both ends of the floor. The 22-year-old forward shot 12-for-20 from the field, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out three assists. Kuminga’s recent surge highlights his evolving role in Golden State’s rotation as they work to climb back above .500.
Golden State’s defense stood tall in crunch time, forcing turnovers and contesting shots effectively. Despite shooting just 41.8% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc, the Warriors found ways to grind out the win through second-chance opportunities and clutch free throws.
The Suns have now lost five of their last six games, falling below .500 for the first time this season. After an 8-1 start, Phoenix faces mounting challenges with injuries and suspensions to key players.
