Did the Warriors just save their season? In a nail-biting clash on December 20, 2025, the Golden State Warriors narrowly escaped with a 119-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns, snapping a painful three-game losing streak. But this was more than just a win; it was a statement.
Stephen Curry, the Warriors' talisman, led the charge with a stellar performance of 28 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Jimmy Butler, proving his worth, added 25 crucial points to the scoreboard. Their combined efforts were just enough to hold off a determined Suns team.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions. Jordan Goodwin's clutch three-pointer brought the Suns within two points with just over a minute remaining. But Butler responded immediately with an aggressive drive to the basket, converting a layup and drawing a foul for a three-point play, re-establishing the Warrior's lead. Then, Collin Gillespie's missed three with 18 seconds left seemed to seal the Sun's fate, especially after Curry coolly sank two free throws. Gillespie managed another three before Curry secured the win - going 5 for 6 and totaling 14 points in the final quarter.
Devin Booker was a force for Phoenix, pouring in a game-high 38 points. Dillon Brooks, who started strong with his first five shots finding the net, contributed 22 points. The Suns blazed through the first quarter, shooting a scorching 70.8% and establishing a commanding 44-32 lead. But here's where it gets controversial... Brooks found himself in foul trouble late in the game, limiting his impact when the Suns needed him most. Was this just bad luck, or did the Warriors successfully adjust their defensive strategy to target him?
But the game wasn't just about scoring; it was also about intensity – perhaps a little too much intensity. Draymond Green, known for his fiery demeanor, was ejected from the game with 10:39 remaining in the first half. The sequence of events was rapid. First, he was assessed a technical foul for shoving Collin Gillespie from behind. Then, he received a second technical, reportedly for continuing to argue with officials. Coach Steve Kerr was also handed a technical foul for vehemently protesting Green's ejection.
Let's rewind a bit. Green's initial technical came after he blocked Gillespie's drive on the other end of the court, sparking a heated exchange. Despite attempts from teammates, Warriors staff, and security to calm him down, Green persisted, ultimately leading to his ejection. And this is the part most people miss... Green's absence significantly impacted the Warriors' defensive presence and offensive flow. Did his ejection ultimately galvanize the team, or did it make the victory even harder-fought?
This game marked the second consecutive testy encounter between the Warriors and the Suns. Just days prior, Phoenix had eked out a narrow 99-98 victory at home. In that game, Brooks was called for a Flagrant 1 foul for hitting Curry in the stomach after a three-point attempt. The tension from that previous game clearly carried over.
Brooks was met with a chorus of boos from the Warriors faithful at Chase Center. Adding fuel to the fire, Warriors forward Trayce Jackson-Davis committed a hard offensive foul on Brooks late in the second quarter, sending the Suns star crashing to the floor. The physicality of these two games suggests a budding rivalry, but some might argue it crossed the line into unsportsmanlike conduct.
In other news, Golden State guard Buddy Hield's impressive streak of 195 consecutive games played came to an end. Teammate Jonathan Kuminga was sidelined due to illness.
Looking ahead, the Suns will return home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, while the Warriors will host the Orlando Magic on Monday. Will the Warriors be able to maintain this momentum, or was this win a one-off against a heated rival? What do you think? Were the technical fouls justified? And how will these teams adjust when they inevitably meet again? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
