Game Overview: Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns match player stats
The Golden State Warriors hosted the Phoenix Suns at the Chase Center in San Francisco on December 28, 2024 , in a highly anticipated Western Conference clash. The game drew a sellout crowd of 18,064 fans , with millions more tuning in nationally. The Warriors emerged victorious with a 128-122 overtime thriller , extending their winning streak to six games, while the Suns dropped to fourth place in the Western Conference standings.
Table of Contents
Team Performance Analysis
Warriors’ Performance
The Warriors showcased their trademark high-octane offense , scoring 62 points in the paint and 22 three-pointers . Their defense, however, struggled in the first half, allowing the Suns to shoot 52% from the field . Key adjustments at halftime, including tighter perimeter defense, limited Phoenix to 38% shooting in the second half. Golden State’s 32 assists highlighted their unselfish playstyle, anchored by Draymond Green’s 14 dimes .
Suns’ Performance
Phoenix relied on their “Big Three” of Devin Booker , Chris Paul , and Kevin Durant , who combined for 85 points . However, their bench contributed just 18 points , a critical weakness compared to Golden State’s 39 bench points . The Suns’ 18 turnovers proved costly, leading to 24 Warriors points off miscues.
Key Player Stats
Warriors’ Star Players
- Stephen Curry : The two-time MVP delivered a 40-point masterpiece , draining 8-of-15 three-pointers and adding 8 rebounds and 6 assists . His clutch step-back three with 1:02 left in overtime sealed the win.
- Klay Thompson : Thompson scored 25 points , including 5-of-10 from deep , and played lockdown defense on Booker in the fourth quarter.
- Draymond Green : A triple-double threat, Green finished with 12 points , 14 assists , and 9 rebounds , orchestrating the Warriors’ offense flawlessly.
Suns’ Star Players
- Kevin Durant : Durant led Phoenix with 34 points on 14-of-25 shooting , including a 16-point fourth quarter to force overtime. His 7 rebounds and 4 blocks underscored his two-way impact.
- Devin Booker : Booker added 28 points but struggled with efficiency (9-of-23 FG ) and committed 5 turnovers .
- Chris Paul : The veteran point guard tallied 17 points and 12 assists , though his 3-of-10 three-point shooting hampered Phoenix’s spacing.
Role Players
- Warriors’ Bench : Jonathan Kuminga (18 points) and Brandin Podziemski (11 points) provided instant offense, with Kuminga’s dunk over Durant in OT igniting the crowd.
- Suns’ Bench : Bradley Beal (12 points) was the only bright spot, but Yuta Watanabe and Jusuf Nurkić combined for just 6 points on 3-of-11 shooting .
Statistical Comparisons
| Category | Warriors | Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 128 | 122 |
| FG% | 49% | 46% |
| 3PT% | 42% (22/52) | 33% (11/33) |
| Rebounds | 50 | 44 |
| Assists | 32 | 28 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 18 |
| Fast Break Pts | 20 | 14 |
Turning Points
- Curry’s OT Heroics : With the game tied at 115, Curry hit a deep three over Paul with 1:02 left, followed by a steal and layup to put Golden State up 120-115.
- Durant’s Fourth-Quarter Surge : Durant scored 16 points in the final frame, including a contested jumper with 5.2 seconds left to force overtime.
- Warriors’ Bench Run : A 14-2 run led by Kuminga and Podziemski midway through the third quarter shifted momentum.
Post-Game Reactions
- Steve Kerr (Warriors Coach) : “This was a gutty win. Our defense in the second half saved us.”
- Kevin Durant : “We beat ourselves with turnovers. Credit to Golden State—they made the big plays.”
- Stephen Curry : “It’s always fun competing against that group. Draymond’s IQ and Klay’s defense were huge.”
Impact on the Season
The win propelled the Warriors to third place in the West (24-12), while the Suns (22-14) face pressure to address their bench depth . Analysts speculate Phoenix may pursue a trade for a reliable scorer before the deadline. Meanwhile, Golden State’s blend of veteran leadership and young talent positions them as title contenders .
Conclusion
The December 28 clash exemplified playoff-level intensity, with Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant reaffirming their superstar statuses. The Warriors’ depth and clutch execution proved decisive, while the Suns’ lack of secondary scoring remains a concern. As both teams vie for Western Conference supremacy, this game will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in their rivalry.
Also read – Golden State Warriors vs Chicago Bulls Match Player Stats: Jan 23, 2025
