Phoenix SunsOpen full analysis
Golden State WarriorsOpen full analysis
The Golden State Warriors edged the Phoenix Suns 119–116 on December 20 at Chase Center in a defensive battle that fell short of the 226.5 Vegas total. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 28 points while Jimmy Butler III added 25, as Golden State shot 45.7 percent from the field and made 17 three-pointers. The Suns countered with Devin Booker's team-high 38 points and Deon Brooks' 22, though Phoenix shot a slightly better 47.7 percent overall and made 12 threes. The decisive stretch came in the second and third quarters, where the Suns managed just 43 combined points after an explosive 44-point first quarter, allowing the Warriors to build separation despite Golden State's own 29-point third quarter. Both teams posted nearly identical offensive ratings around 112, but the Warriors' 49 rebounds to Phoenix's 34 proved crucial on the glass. Golden State's defensive intensity in the middle quarters, combined with 9 steals and 20 turnovers forced, proved the difference in a tight contest. The Warriors' narrow victory maintains their positioning in the Western Conference standings.
