Jordan Goodwin made the go-ahead free throw with 0.4 seconds left, securing a 99-98 victory for the Phoenix Suns (15-12) over the Golden State Warriors (13-15) on Thursday at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Devin Booker scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half, rallying Phoenix after trailing by as many as 14 points. Dillon Brooks contributed 24 points despite a costly flagrant foul in the final minute.
Stephen Curry tied the game at 98 with 21.7 seconds remaining, hitting two free throws after Brooks’ foul, and Brooks’ missed 3-pointer led to Goodwin’s decisive rebound and foul. Collin Gillespie added 16 points for the Suns.
Jimmy Butler led Golden State with 31 points, while Brandin Podziemski contributed 18 and Curry added 15 despite shooting just 3 of 13 from the field, including 2 of 9 from long range. The Warriors committed 20 turnovers.
Golden State built a 62-48 lead early in the third quarter, but Phoenix cut the deficit and tied at 66 on a Booker 3-pointer. The Warriors held a slim 71-70 lead entering the fourth quarter before the Suns overtook them late.
Phoenix overcame shooting struggles in the first half, hitting just 37% from the field, while the Warriors led 53-46 at halftime. The Suns outscored Golden State 24-18 in the third quarter to regain momentum.
The teams will complete the home-and-home series on Saturday in San Francisco, with both looking to rebound in the Western Conference standings. Phoenix improves to 15-12, while Golden State falls to 13-15.
