Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) scores a three-pointer against the Phoenix Suns in the fourth quarter during an NBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. The Warriors won 119-116. (Photo Credits to Santiago Mejia/ S.F. Chronicle)
By Michael Villanueva
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors began their Saturday evening game at 5:30 p.m. inside Chase Center against the Phoenix Suns (15-12), who started the night and stayed seventh in the Western Conference. The game marked Golden State’s Native American Heritage Night, as the Warriors fought and ultimately ended a three-game losing streak with a 119-116 win over the Suns. It was the teams’ third meeting this season, with Phoenix defeating Golden State 99-98 in Arizona on December 18, matching the season series at 1-1.
Golden State came into the game averaging 113.8 points per game, while Phoenix allowed 113.9 points per game defensively. The Warriors also finished 3-2 against division opponents. Head coach Steve Kerr started Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green, Quinten Post, Moses Moody, and Stephen Curry, who averaged 28.8 points and four rebounds per game this season.
Despite Butler’s strong first-quarter performance of 10 points, the Warriors fell behind early on. Brandin Podziemski scored eight points, but Golden State struggled defensively, trailing 44-32 at the end of the first quarter. The Warriors committed five turnovers and shot 13-of-23 (56.5%) from the field, while Phoenix capitalized on Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks’ hot shooting, scoring 11 and 12 points, respectively.
Golden State’s night took a turn in the second quarter when Draymond Green was ejecteded for two quick technical fouls. Green finished with four points, three rebounds, and an assist. The Warriors responded by increasing their depth in the rotation and intensifying their play. Will Richard, a rookie, had an immediate impact by hitting a perfect 3-of-3 from the field and 2-of-2 from three, totaling eight points and three rebounds.
The Warriors dominated the glass, outrebounding Phoenix 24-15 in the first half, but the Suns kept the lead with smart offense, hitting 26-of-47 (55.3%) and 7-of-17 (41.2%) from three. De’Anthony Melton made two of three free throws after getting fouled on a three-point try in the final seconds of the half, and Richard added a fast putback to close the gap on Melton’s last attempt. Phoenix led 67-64 at halftime.
Golden State began the third quarter with renewed energy. Jimmy Butler scored seven straight points, bringing his total to 17 before the halfway mark of the quarter, as the Warriors staged a comeback. Phoenix committed four early fouls, which allowed Golden State to find its attacking rhythm. The Warriors seized their first lead since the opening minutes when Gary Payton II hit a three-pointer, making it 79-76.
From there, the Warriors gained control thanks to their defensive energy and timely shooting. Richard continued to impress, hitting two major three-pointers that excited the Chase Center crowd. Phoenix struggled at the free-throw line during the quarter, going 16-of-20 after being flawless earlier. Butler and Richard had each scored more than 20 points by the end of the third quarter, and Golden State led 93-87 heading into the fourth.
The Warriors played smart basketball in the fourth quarter, focusing on spacing, ball movement, and tough defense. Stephen Curry’s leadership was noticed as he handled traffic offensively, hustled in transition defense, and kept the team focused. Golden State extended its lead to 11 points, 103-92, with seven minutes left.
Phoenix made one more effort behind Booker, who scored three consecutive baskets, including a three-point play, to cut the advantage to 109-105 with less than two minutes remaining. Curry responded with a deep 30-foot three-pointer, but the Suns continued to reply. Jimmy Butler made a three-point play to put the Warriors up 115-110, but Booker responded with another three-point play to make it 115-113.
Collin Gillespie missed a three-pointer that would have given the Suns the lead. Curry was fouled on the next possession and missed his last free throw attempt, but Gillespie next hit a tough three to get Phoenix within one point, 117-116, with nine seconds left. Golden State performed well under pressure, with Curry finishing with a reverse layup to increase the lead to three. Phoenix failed to take a shot on its final possession.
The Warriors rallied from 14 points down to win 119-116, stopping a three-game losing streak. Curry led Golden State with 28 points, going 9-for-19 from the field and 4-for-11 from beyond the arc, while also scoring a double-double with 10 rebounds.
Richard added 20 points and five rebounds, while the Warriors’ bench scored 52 points. Golden State improved to 14-15, eighth in the Western Conference, after going 4-6 in its previous ten games. The victory also gave the Warriors a 2-1 lead in the season series with the Suns. The Golden State Warriors ( 14-15) are scheduled to defend their home against the Orlando Magic at Chase Center on Monday, December 22, at 7 p.m.



