Warriors' Comeback Falls Short as Suns Hand Them Fourth Straight Loss
The Golden State Warriors extended their losing streak to four games after falling to the Phoenix Suns, 113-105, on Saturday. Despite the return of Steph Curry to the starting lineup after missing the previous game with a knee injury, the Warriors struggled early. Phoenix dominated the first half, shooting 54.8% from the field and draining 14 three-pointers. Duke alums Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen led the Suns' offensive surge, helping them build a commanding 17-point halftime lead.
Curry, quiet in the first half with just two points on 0-of-5 shooting, ignited the Warriors in the third quarter. He scored 15 points, including three triples, to fuel a comeback that trimmed Phoenix’s lead to seven heading into the fourth. However, despite Curry’s resurgence, the Warriors couldn't overcome the Suns' consistent responses. Kevin Durant took over in the final period, scoring 10 points to seal the win for Phoenix.
Durant and Devin Booker led the Suns with a combined 48 points, while Jones added 19 in a balanced team effort. For the Warriors, Curry finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, but he shot just 8-of-21 from the field. Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski all contributed double-digit scoring, but their collective effort fell short against Phoenix's sharp shooting and timely plays.
The loss underscores the challenges the Warriors face as they navigate a tough schedule. Their next game, an NBA Cup matchup against the Denver Nuggets, pits them against reigning MVP Nikola Jokić and a formidable opponent. The Warriors will need to address their defensive lapses and find consistency to break their losing streak.
Can the Warriors Front Office Improve the Roster
As the February 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches, the Golden State Warriors have several potential avenues to explore in their quest to improve their squad. The team’s focus should likely center on acquiring players who can address their most pressing needs: size, rebounding, and defensive versatility.
One target could be a versatile frontcourt player who brings both rim protection and floor-spacing ability. Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers would be an ideal fit if the Pacers are willing to entertain trade discussions. Turner’s shot-blocking presence and ability to stretch the floor as a three-point shooter would complement the Warriors’ offensive system and help shore up their interior defense. His skill set aligns well with the Warriors’ up-tempo style and would ease the physical burden on Draymond Green.
The Warriors may also explore options for adding a backup guard to stabilize their second unit. A player like Tyus Jones, known for his exceptional playmaking and low turnover rate, could bring steadiness to the Warriors’ bench. Jones’s ability to run the offense and create opportunities for others would allow Curry to rest without the offense faltering, a critical factor in ensuring the team’s sustainability over the long season.
The Warriors’ ability to make a meaningful move will depend on their willingness to part with assets such as Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, or future draft picks. If the front office believes their championship window is still open, they may opt for an aggressive approach at the deadline to maximize their current core’s potential.
