Game report: Shorthanded Golden State Warriors surprise Suns

Game Report: Shorthanded Warriors surprise Suns

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 30: Otto Porter Jr. #32 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on November 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 104-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3 of 3

Golden State Warriors (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Two things we learned

1. Gary Payton II continues to solidify his standing.

With the first, second and perhaps third choice shooting guards still unavailable, Payton II got another chance to improve on his already remarkable rise.

When you’re as depleted as the Warriors were, you need a role player to somehow outplay an opposition star. That’s exactly what Payton did, his 14 points outsourcing Suns guard Devin Booker whom Payton and the Dubs kept to 5-19 shooting and just 13 points.

2. The Warriors could be unstoppable

The Suns, surprisingly unaffected by Covid to this point, contrastingly went into Christmas Day at full strength. The fact the Warriors were able to defeat them, given their own long list of outs, was simply remarkable.

Given the victory, and with Klay Thompson and others to return, the league would be questioning the chances of the Warriors being stopped, provided they retain health and continuity moving forward.

The Warriors, now back on top of the western conference, travel back home to take on Denver at Chase Center on Tuesday.

Next. Top 30 Warriors of all-time. dark

Home/Warriors News