The Warriors entered this season with two clear goals, one of which was achieved Wednesday night in Phoenix.
With a 120-111 victory over the Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena, combined with a Spurs loss to the Lakers in San Antonio, the Warriors (65-14) assured themselves of finishing with the best record in the NBA for the third consecutive season.
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By virtue of that, the Warriors secured the No. 1 overall seed entering the postseason and will have homecourt advantage throughout. They also become the first team to win at least 65 games three seasons in a row.
Stephen Curry totaled 42 points and 11 assists, leading an otherwise pedestrian effort by the Warriors, who won their 13th consecutive game despite Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala resting on the bench.
For the first time in several weeks, Klay Thompson struggled with his shot before recovering in the fourth quarter to finish with 22 points on 9-of-22 shooting, including 2-of-9 from 3-point distance.
Against a Suns team that had lost 12 in a row The Warriors (65-14) had trouble maintaining separation largely because the were clobbered on the glass, 55-40, and outscored 26-17 in fast-break points.
Golden State Warriors
Shooting guard Devin Booker scored 21 points to lead the Suns, who fell to 22-57.
STANDOUT PERFORMER:
Given the paltry amount of offense elsewhere, the Warriors needed Curry to be splendid. He absolutely was.
Curry’s line: 42 points (15-of-26 shooting from the field, 8-of-13 from deep, 4-of-7 from the line), 11 assists, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks. He played 35 minutes and finished plus-25.
TURNING POINT:
Going up double digits (21-11) less than six minutes into the game and taking a 41-18 lead into the second quarter, the Warriors took charge early, forcing the Suns to play from behind.
Phoenix got within four early in the third quarter and as close as three in the fourth but never could tie or take a lead.
INJURY UPDATE:
Warriors: F Draymond Green (rest), Andre Iguodala (rest) and Kevin Durant (L knee sprain, bone bruise) were listed as out. C Damian Jones is on assignment with Santa Cruz of the NBA Development League.
Suns: G Leandro Barbosa (R hamstring tightness), G Eric Bledsoe (rest), C Tyson Chandler (rest) and G Brandon Knight (rest) were listed as out.
WHAT’S NEXT:
The Warriors return to action Saturday night, when they play host to the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:35.