For one of the few times this season, the Golden State Warriors went in as clear underdogs for their Christmas Day battle with the Phoenix Suns. Yet, for not the first time this season, they defied expectation and walked away with another incredibly impressive victory.
It took a team effort for the undermanned Golden State Warriors to pull off a Christmas miracle against the Phoenix Suns
The Warriors’ 27th victory of the season was arguably their best to date, given the combination of opponent and roster depletion. The Dubs were without seven players, including perhaps four of their most important six in Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole and Andre Iguodala.
But in what’s been a staple of their fairytale season to date, the remaining role players provided performances few thought possible against the reigning western conference champions.
It was, however, the big names who got the ball rolling, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry knocking down triples for the first two baskets of the game. After a much-publicized battle with Mikal Bridges during the last matchup in Phoenix, Curry seemed to have another point to prove as he scored 11 points to give the Dubs a 33-27 lead after one.
The early lead evaporated quickly in the second though, their offense understandably stunting without Curry on the floor, and with Thompson, Wiggins and Poole sidelined. The Suns hit the lead and looked ominous, although 12 first half points from Gary Payton II, and eight from Jonathan Kuminga, allowed the Warriors to stay close as the Suns led by four at the half.
The teams traded runs in the third quarter, with neither team managing to create a decisive advantage. After trailing 66-62, Golden State went on a 15-5 run to take a six point lead, before the Suns responded with a 9-0 run of their own.
Tied at 84 apiece with 12 minutes to play, the game was set up for a breathtaking finish. The teams went basket-for-basket before the Warriors produced an edge, an acrobatic layup from Kuminga giving them a 104-97 lead.
The Suns weren’t about to relinquish their place atop the west, a Jae Crowder three reducing the margin to two with three minutes to play. But it was Otto Porter Jr. who sealed the Warrior win, hitting a trio of clutch jump shots. His last, a three that gave Draymond Green his tenth assist of the game, was the final score in the game as the Warriors rounded out a 116-107 win.