The Phoenix Suns will play the Golden State Warriors for the Western Conference’s eighth seed.
After losing to the Portland Trail Blazers, the Phoenix Suns are fighting for their postseason lives. Only two teams in the first five years of the Play-In have lost the 7–8 matchup, but both still advanced as the eighth seed. Phoenix is trying to make it three.
Warriors Upset Clippers
The Golden State Warriors are coming off an impressive win, upsetting the Clippers 126-121. Golden State outscored Los Angeles 43-32 in the fourth quarter. They defeated the 9th-seeded Clippers at the Intuit Dome.
Golden State entered the game with an 8–33 record when trailing after three quarters. Stephen Curry powered the team early, while Draymond Green took over late.
Season Series Favours Golden State
The Pacific Division teams have met four times this season, with Golden State winning three of those games. Phoenix’s lone win came on December 18, a 99–98 victory. The last meeting was on February 5, trade deadline day, and it ended in a 101–97 loss for Phoenix.
Struggles Since All-Star Break
Both teams have struggled since the All-Star break. Golden State is 8–19 in that stretch, averaging 112.7 points per game, which is 27th in the NBA. The Suns have gone 13-14, averaging 110.5 points, which is 28th in the NBA.
Curry’s Dominance
Curry had 35 points against the Clippers, including 16 in the third and 11 in the fourth. He went 4-of-6 in the final frame, including 2-of-3 from deep. Curry controlled the game when it mattered.
The Suns face a Warriors team that finished 37–45. They will need to contain the player who can take over when everything tightens.
The game is set for Friday night at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The season is on the line.