PHOENIX — Jalen Green poured in 36 points and the Phoenix Suns clamped down on Stephen Curry to defeat the Golden State Warriors 111-96 on Friday night, securing the final Western Conference playoff berth through the NBA play-in tournament.
The victory sends Phoenix into a first-round series against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, beginning Sunday. Golden State’s season ends with the loss.
Green leads the way
Green hit 14 of 20 shots and went 8-for-14 from beyond the arc. Backcourt mate Jordan Goodwin added 19 points, grabbed nine rebounds and collected six steals, while Devin Booker scored 20.
Warriors contained
Curry, 38, managed 17 points on 4-of-16 shooting as Phoenix’s defense limited his clean looks. Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski paced Golden State with 23 points.
Tempers flare
Booker and Warriors forward Draymond Green exchanged words several times late in the fourth quarter and were ejected after receiving double technicals.
Game flow
Phoenix jumped out to a 13-2 start and led 33-15 after one quarter. The Warriors trimmed the deficit to 50-45 by halftime, but the Suns rebuilt a 69-53 cushion with 5:12 left in the third period. When Curry buried a three-pointer to cut it to 85-78 with 9:30 remaining, Phoenix answered with the next seven points and never allowed another charge.
Additional notes
The Suns avoided becoming the first team to drop both play-in games at home since the format began in 2021. Golden State center Kristaps Porzingis, dealing with right ankle soreness from Wednesday’s win over the Clippers, played 15 minutes and scored 11 points.
Game played April 18, 2026, at Footprint Center.
Source: ESPN
