NBA: Phoenix Suns Eliminate Golden State Warriors, Advance to Playoffs Behind Stellar Jalen Green Performance (111-96)

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors 111-96 in the NBA play-in tournament, secured the eighth seed in the Western Conference, and will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Jalen Green, with 36 points, was the standout performer in a night where Phoenix shut down Stephen Curry and ended Golden State's season.

box score

The victory keeps the Suns alive in the championship race, while the Warriors exit before the start of the NBA playoffs.

The game started with total dominance by the Phoenix Suns. Golden State turned the ball over four times in the opening minutes and the home team punished each mistake to jump out to a quick 13-2 lead. Phoenix's defense made the difference from the start, and the first quarter ended with a commanding 33-15 lead, after the Warriors shot 30% from the field and just 1 of 9 from three-point range.

Golden State responded before halftime. They improved their offensive flow and managed to cut the deficit to 50-45 at the break, staying alive after a rough start.

After the intermission, Jalen Green returned to dominate the game. The shooting guard sustained the home team's offense, and a layup in transition by Royce O'Neale extended the lead to 69-53 with just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Phoenix closed that period with an 85-72 advantage.

The Warriors threatened another comeback when Stephen Curry made a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 85-78 with 9:30 remaining. However, the Suns responded immediately with seven straight points that extinguished any visiting comeback attempt and sealed the victory.

Jalen Green delivered a brilliant performance with 36 points, shooting 14 of 20 from the field and 8 of 14 from three-point range. Devin Booker added 20 points, while Jordan Goodwin completed an all-around game with 19 points, nine rebounds, and six steals.

For Golden State, Brandin Podziemski led the scoring with 23 points. Stephen Curry had a very uncomfortable night and finished with 17 points on 4 of 16 shooting. Kristaps Porzingis, limited by right ankle soreness, played 15 minutes and added 11 points.

The finish brought added tension with the ejections of Devin Booker and Draymond Green, both assessed double technical fouls following several verbal exchanges.

The Phoenix Suns will now face a demanding series against defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder, with the first game scheduled for Sunday. For Golden State, the loss closes an irregular season without a playoff appearance.