Golden State’s Stephen Curry reflected on the Warriors’ 99-98 defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, emphasizing the team’s struggles in close contests.
“The biggest problem is in these late games, we’re just collectively not doing enough to win… there was just moments where either you have momentum and you can’t stretch a lead,” Curry said.
Curry pinpointed turnovers and defensive lapses as critical factors. “Same story. Turnovers, offensive rebounds… especially on the road, it’s hard to… give teams momentum. You give them belief, they start hitting shots, books started getting going off of broken plays,” he explained.
Despite Golden State falling behind by 14 points, Curry highlighted the team’s resilience. “The fact that we’re giving ourselves a chance with the fight down the stretch is positive… but then you’re leaving it to a make here, a miss here, a foul and offensive rebound, one free throw,” he said.
Curry also shared a lighter moment, discussing his choice of sneakers for the game. “Obviously, I’ve been paying tribute, homage… got to try his out tonight… me and Book… there’s a bond there… I was trying to beat him in his own shoes. Didn’t work,” he joked, referring to Devin Booker.
On the chaotic final possessions, Curry described the pressure-filled ending. “It was wild back and forth… Jimmy hits a big three… Book comes out hits a tough shot… last possession we got a great stop. Just the ball bounced a tough way and we foul,” he said.
Curry reflected on the broader implications for the Warriors’ season. “We’re obviously not a good team right now because what our record says… feeling this pain right now and searching a little bit is could be a good thing if we do something about it,” he noted, highlighting the urgency to improve during stretches where momentum swings away.
The game featured Devin Booker scoring 23 of his 25 points in the second half to rally Phoenix from a 14-point deficit, while Dillon Brooks added 24 points despite a late flagrant foul. Jordan Goodwin made the decisive free throw with 0.4 seconds left.
Golden State committed 20 turnovers, shooting 35-89 overall and 12-42 from three-point range. Phoenix converted 36-88 from the field and 10-35 from beyond the arc, outscoring the Warriors 24-18 in the pivotal third quarter to secure the win.
The loss drops Golden State to 13-15, while Phoenix improves to 15-12. Both teams will meet again on Saturday in San Francisco to complete the home-and-home series.
