Phoenix Suns (46-38) beat Golden State Warriors (38-46) 111-96 at home on Friday, April 17, never trailing at a quarter break.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Suns had the better start, winning the first 33-15 to lead by 18 after one. The Warriors cut into the deficit with a 30-17 second quarter, though the Suns still led by 5 at halftime.
The Suns won the third 28-24 to create some separation, taking a 9-point lead into the fourth. The Suns took the fourth 33-27; the Suns finished the job for a 111-96 regulation win.
What decided it
The Suns took better care of the ball, turning it over on 13.2% of possessions compared with 21.7% for the Warriors. The Suns got more from their shots, finishing at 59.3% effective field-goal shooting compared with 52% for the Warriors. Those extra possessions were crucial.
The Warriors did win one battle, the free-throw line: FT rate of 25.7 against 18.5. The Suns made up for it elsewhere.
At roughly 91 possessions per team, the Suns produced 121.5 points per 100 possessions to 105.1 for the Warriors.
The Warriors' reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 26-13.
Who made the difference
Jalen Green was the game's biggest individual force for PHX: 36 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast, 3 blk on 14-20 shooting. His Game Score of 33.5 led everyone. His team was +22 with him on the floor.
De'Anthony Melton led the Warriors with 16 pts, 8 reb, 3 ast on 5-10 shooting, good for a 15.7 Game Score.
Brandin Podziemski (23 pts, 10 reb, 0 ast) recorded a double-double.
What it means
The result fit the pre-game Win Meter, which gave the Suns about a 78% chance.
Across the last 8 meetings in our records, Golden State Warriors lead 5-3.
The Suns are now 46-38, and the Warriors are 38-46. The Suns last five before this game: L-W-L-W-L.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.