Suns End Warriors Season Set First-Round Date With Thunder

Post by : Sophia Matthew

The Phoenix Suns ended the season of the Golden State Warriors with a strong 111-96 victory in the NBA play-in tournament, securing their place in the Western Conference playoffs.

With the win, the Suns claimed the No. 8 seed and will now face the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in the first round. Game 1 of the series is scheduled to take place on Sunday.

The standout performer of the game was Jalen Green, who delivered an impressive performance with 36 points. He shot efficiently, making 14 of his 20 attempts, including eight three-pointers. His performance played a key role in helping Phoenix control the game.

Devin Booker also contributed with 20 points and helped guide the team offensively. Meanwhile, Jordan Goodwin added 19 points, nine rebounds, and six steals, making a strong impact on both ends of the court.

On the other side, Stephen Curry struggled to find his rhythm. The veteran guard scored 17 points but shot just 4-of-16 from the field, as the Suns’ defense limited his scoring opportunities. Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 23 points.

The Suns maintained control for most of the game. They led by five points at halftime and extended their advantage in the third quarter, building a comfortable lead. Although the Warriors showed signs of a comeback in the final quarter, Phoenix responded quickly to maintain their lead and secure the win.

The game also saw some late tension, as Booker and Draymond Green were both ejected after exchanging words during the fourth quarter.

This victory was especially meaningful for Jalen Green, who had struggled against the Warriors in last year’s playoffs when he played for the Houston Rockets. His strong performance in this game showed his growth and confidence at a crucial moment.

The Suns now move forward with momentum as they prepare to face a strong Thunder team in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the loss brings an end to the Warriors’ season, marking a disappointing finish for the experienced squad.

April 18, 2026 5:24 p.m. 109

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