Nothing says the two teams will meet in the NBA Conference Finals. But what is certain is that it will be necessary to be strong to dislodge the Phoenix Suns and the Golden State Warriors from the first places in the West … We expected a shock last night in Arizona and the shock has well occurred.
In a stunning duel at the top, it was the Suns who took the best from Golden State (104-96). The first of the two rounds therefore fails in Phoenix, before a reunion on the night of Friday to Saturday (4 hours), at the Warriors this time.
Monty Williams’ troops will surely have to do without Devin Booker for this meeting, the rear, released in the first half, being visibly affected in the groin. But this defection didn’t bother the Suns more than that.
Poole party
In a disputed start to the game, it was his Warriors alter ego, Jordan Poole (28 points), who gave the visitors the spotlight. The Warriors took the lead in a game that looked like a playoff match (35-31 at the end of the first quarter). Phoenix side, Deandre Ayton delivered a big duel to one of the best defenders in the League, Draymond Green, effective at the pass in this first quarter (5 assists).
Then everything seemed to change with the exit of Booker at 6 minutes of half-time. Led in his room, deprived of his leader in scoring, was Phoenix going to be able to bring down the Warriors? The Suns then raised their level of play, returned to the break (56-54), in the wake of huge Chris Paul (15 points, 11 assists, 5 stolen balls) and Deandre Ayton (24 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks ).
Address breakdown for Steph Curry
Upon returning from the locker room, Golden State was taken by the intensity of the Suns. Like Stephen Curry, completely out of skill the whole match (4/21), tightened by Mikal Bridges and Chris Paul. Phoenix then made a first gap, before the Warriors reunited, in an exciting mano a mano (70-61 at 5 minutes from the end of the 3rd quarter, 80-78 to conclude it).
Jae Crowder decisive at the end of the game
In Booker’s absence, Phoenix’s lieutenants were on hand. Just like those of GS, with Otto Porter (16 points), to leave the players of the Bay of San Francisco in contact (84-86, 91-92). But with four minutes remaining, Jae Crowder was splitting five straight points, with a shot from behind the crucial arc. Chris Paul and a last shot from Landry Shamet concluded the game, in a deafening Footprint Center (102-92).
A victory that sounds like a 17th in a row, franchise record equaled, to the Phoenix Suns carried by a big defense and leaders at the rendezvous. They join Golden State at the top of the League, with a record of 17 wins for 3 losses. Appointment is made for Friday …
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