Jalen Green delivered the defining performance of his young career on Friday night, scoring 36 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 111-96 victory over the Golden State Warriors in a Western Conference Play-In Tournament elimination game.
Green, who had missed all three regular-season matchups against Golden State, erupted when it mattered most, putting up 13 points in the third quarter alone to help secure Phoenix’s place as the No. 8 seed in the West. The win sets up a first-round playoff series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Suns controlled much of the contest, particularly after halftime. They entered the third quarter with a five-point lead and quickly extended it to nine as Green found his rhythm. He shot 5 of 7 in the quarter, including 3 of 5 from three-point range, consistently breaking down the Warriors’ defense. Phoenix, which had recently suffered a painful collapse after losing an 11-point fourth-quarter lead in its previous Play-In game, showed composure this time by closing out the victory without allowing another late-game slip.
Stephen Curry Struggles As Suns Gain Momentum And Warriors Face Uncertainty Season
Golden State, meanwhile, leaned heavily on Stephen Curry, who finished with 17 points. However, the veteran guard struggled throughout the night, shooting 4 of 16 from the field and 3 of 10 from deep.
After carrying the Warriors with a 35-point performance earlier in the Play-In, Curry appeared fatigued and was unable to generate the same offensive impact against a Suns defense that aggressively trapped and pressured him. Without his usual explosiveness or shooting rhythm, Golden State’s offense stalled at key moments, ending their season in disappointing fashion.
The game highlighted contrasting team trajectories. For Phoenix, the victory represented an important step forward after a turbulent season following major roster changes involving Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. While expectations remain high and their matchup against Oklahoma City presents a difficult challenge, reaching the playoffs restores some confidence and stability for the franchise. It is seen internally as a foundation to build upon rather than a final destination.
Warriors Face Offseason Uncertainty While Suns Advance Behind Jalen Green Breakout Performance
Golden State, on the other hand, exits the season with uncertainty looming. Injuries and inconsistency defined much of their year, and despite Curry’s continued brilliance, the supporting cast struggled to maintain a high level of performance. The loss also raises broader questions about roster construction and long-term competitiveness as the team heads into the offseason.
Beyond Green and Curry, Suns guard Jordan Goodwin played a crucial supporting role. His defensive intensity helped set the tone early, recording multiple steals and disrupting Curry’s rhythm. Goodwin finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and two assists, providing energy and hustle that proved essential in a high-stakes elimination game.
The night belonged to Jalen Green. His breakout performance not only propelled Phoenix into the postseason but also marked a significant milestone in his career, signaling his emergence as a capable postseason difference-maker.
