Suns Kevin Durant hold off Warriors

Phoenix Suns beat Golden State Warriors 119-116, despite Kevin Durant's absence. Draymond Green ejected for hitting Jusuf Nurkic. Steph Curry scores 24.

Devin Booker had a stellar performance, recording 32 points and seven assists, to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 119-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors. This win marked Phoenix's third victory over the Warriors this season, showcasing their dominance over the visiting team. The absence of Kevin Durant, who missed his second straight game due to a sprained left ankle, was felt by the Warriors as they struggled against the Suns.

Jusuf Nurkic also made significant contributions for the Suns, with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. His presence on the court was instrumental in Phoenix's victory. On the other side, Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski led the Warriors with 24 and 20 points respectively, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. The Warriors suffered their sixth straight road game loss, emphasizing their struggles on the road.

The game also saw some intense moments, including an ejection for Draymond Green, who delivered a wild open-hand punch to the face of Nurkic. Despite this, Phoenix's Bradley Beal returned from a 12-game absence due to a back injury and made a strong impact with 16 points in 27 minutes.

In the end, Phoenix emerged victorious, with Jordan Goodwin and Chimezie Metu contributing 16 and 14 points respectively. The Suns' victory was only their second in six games, highlighting their recent challenges. On the Warriors' side, Jonathan Kuminga, Chris Paul, and Dario Saric scored 16, 15, and 15 points respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Suns' dominance.

The game's turning point came when Booker made two crucial 3-pointers during a 12-0 burst, giving Phoenix a 109-96 lead with 3:56 remaining. Although the Warriors rallied and closed the gap, Booker's performance and clutch free throws in the final seconds secured the victory for the Suns.

Both teams displayed strong shooting percentages, with Phoenix making 45.2% of its shots and Golden State connecting on 44.6% of their attempts. The Warriors also made 16 of 46 3-pointers, showcasing their proficiency from behind the arc.

The game's intensity was further highlighted by a flagrant foul 2 and ejection for Green after he struck Nurkic in the face. This incident fueled a strong run for Phoenix, allowing them to take the lead and ultimately secure the win.

In the end, the Suns' resilience and clutch performances led them to victory, highlighting their strength as a team. The game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, and it showcased the Suns' ability to overcome challenges and emerge victorious.

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