Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors updates: Booker takes over in 4th quarter to secure Suns win
Dana Scott
The Phoenix Suns won their season-opening game over the Golden State Warriors, 108-104, on Tuesday in San Francisco.
Devin Booker had game-high 32 points, eight assists, six turnovers, and added six rebounds and a steal in Phoenix's victory.
Kevin Durant had 18 points, somewhat struggled on 7-of-22 shooting, 10 rebounds, and three assists. Phoenix's two other starters Josh Okogie and big Yusuf Nurkic, made solid contributions on 17 and 14 points, respectively. Okogie and Nurkic had a combined 12-of-15 shooting, and Nurkic snared game-high 14 rebounds.
Golden State was led by Steph Curry's 27 points. Chris Paul had 14 points and game-high nine assists in his Warriors debut.
After Golden State entered the fourth quarter on a six-point lead, there were three lead changes and three ties shortly after the final quarter’s midpoint. Devin Booker’s final two field shots were on a layup and a 3 between the five and four minute marks. Booker assisted on all three of Phoenix's field goals in the final minute to put his team up for good.
The Suns next play Thursday at the Los Angeles Lakers.
Warriors' huge run regains lead, Phoenix offense disjointed in 3rd quarter
Golden State has found fluidity in its offense and restored much defensive grit in the third quarter.
Phoenix is down 86-80 entering the final period. Golden State went on a massive 25-6 run through the four minute mark, led by Steph Curry's 21 points and 11 scored in the third.
Golden State took its first lead of the second half at 5:46 in the third quarter, and to extend its biggest lead to seven at five minutes left.
The Suns shot horribly on 3-for-15 through late in the third period, and have given up 20 points off 15 turnovers to Golden State's seven and six in those categories
Suns close 1st half in control on 13-point lead
Phoenix is ahead on a 61-48 lead over Golden State entering halftime.
Phoenix moved ahead by scoring several old-fashioned 3-pointers, including three from starters Josh Okogie (eight points) and Kevin Durant (13 points) on and-ones near the final two minutes.
Led by red hot Devin Booker's game-high 21 points (8-of-10 shooting), Phoenix ended the second quarter on a commanding 25-10 run.
Golden State's Moses Moody has a team-high 11 points off the bench, and Steph Curry has 10.
Phoenix is winning the battle of the boards as it's grabbed 33 rebounds to Golden State's 24. However, Phoenix had some troubles giving up possessions as it's committed nine turnovers, and Golden State has just four.
Suns, Warriors tied at end of 1st quarter
It's been a game of runs in the first quarter as Phoenix and Golden State are tied, 28-28.
Phoenix started the game on a 10-0 run to lead 13-5.
After Phoenix jumped out to a 24-12 lead through the five minute mark, Golden State ended the quarter on a 16-3 run to tied the game at 28-28. Golden State took its first lead of the game, 26-25, on Moses Moody’s 3 at the 1:16 mark.
Devin Booker is already cooking for Phoenix with 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting for the game high. Stephen Curry has eight points, including two 3s.
Warriors show Durant tribute video before tip-off
Kevin Durant is a Phoenix Sun, but he'll always be a Warrior in the heart of Dub Nation's fans.
Durant helped lead Golden State win two championships in 2017 and 2018, and was named the finals MVP in those title runs. Those were the first two of his three years there, having lost in the 2019 finals, before he left after that season for the Brooklyn Nets in a sign-and-trade. The last time he played at Golden State was in February 2021 during the pandemic when there were no fans in the arena.
-- Dana Scott
Beal out, Allen in for Suns, Paul starting for Warriors
The Republic's Suns reporter Duane Rankin reported Bradley Beal is OUT against Golden State. That was confirmed by Suns coach Frank Vogel in the pregame press conference, and he added that Grayson Allen will replace him at shooting guard.
Chris Paul will be starting for the Warriors in his debut for the team against the Point God's former team, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania. Golden State's other usual starter and four-time All-Star Draymond Green is OUT with a left ankle sprain.
Paul led the Suns to the 2021 finals in the first of his three years with the team.
The rest of Phoenix's lineup includes Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Josh Okogie, and Yusuf Nurkić in the middle.
Golden State's other starters are Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and center Kevon Looney.
--- Dana Scott
Beal could sit out opener, Booker in
Suns beat reporter Duane Rankin reports that Bradley Beal, part of the Suns' Big 3 scoring trio, could sit out the opener as he continues to manage tightness in his lower back. Beal was acquired by the Suns from the Wizards in an off season trade that sent Chris Paul to Washington, which then dealth hi to Golden State. Devin Booker, however, will play Tuesday. He has been nursing a sore toe and had been questionable.
More:Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors picks, predictions, odds: Who wins NBA game Tuesday?
Chris Paul ready to face former team
Chris Paul, now with the Warriors, had a few things to say about facing his former team, the Suns, in Tuesday's opener at Golden State.
“I'm an emotional guy when I play, when I hoop, but not because of that situation. I think I play emotional just because of who I am. Opening night, it’s a new team. I know what I bring to the table and that’s edge every time that I play. It’s been like that for a long time, and I don’t see it changing.”
The Republic's Duane Rankin's full story on Paul's remarks are linked below.
More:Warriors' Chris Paul ready to play 'same way' in first game vs. Phoenix Suns since trade