Devin Booker played 15 minutes. Mikal Bridges scored two points. And yet down the stretch, the Phoenix Suns looked like one of the most dominant teams in the NBA, as they beat the Warriors by a final score of 104-96.
The Suns emerged victorious behind strong offensive performances by DeAndre Ayton, Chris Paul, and Jae Crowder, but it was ultimately the defensive effort of the collective team that held the Warriors under triple digits for the first time this season.
Mikal Bridges was the one who came up big for the Suns, as he posted 4 steals and a block while guarding Warriors MVP candidate Steph Curry. Tonight was not a good one for Curry either, who shot 4-21 from the field and ended with a measly 12 points.
The two teams were tested tonight, as they each have been making a run for the first seed in the western conference. The teams share an 18-3 record and as this was the first time the two teams have met, the Suns have the tiebreaker. However, this will not be the first meeting.
The two powerhouses meet twice in December, on the 3rd, this upcoming Friday, and on Christmas Day, a matchup most NBA fans will show up to watch. It also is important to monitor the status of Warriors wing Klay Thompson, who may be available for the Christmas Day matchup.
The teams will also meet on March 30th, for their fourth and final matchup this season, unless they face each other in the playoffs.