Warriors Nearly Complete 23-Point Comeback in Loss to Suns

The Warriors nearly came back from down by 23 points but ultimately lost to the Suns 123-115 in Phoenix on Wednesday. The Dubs are now 0-2 in the season series against the Suns and Phoenix extended their active winning streak to five games.

Phoenix had a substantial advantage at the charity stripe, outscoring the Warriors by 25 points from the free throw line on 23 more attempts.

ANOTHER QUICK START FOR THOMPSON
Klay Thompson scored 12 of the Warriors' first 16 points against the Houston Rockets on Monday and followed that up by scoring 11 of their first 13 points in Phoenix on Wednesday. Thompson shot 4-for-6 from the field and 2-for-4 from behind the arc over that stretch. 

For the second consecutive game, Thompson surpassed his previous season-high, scoring 23 points and hitting a season-high six 3-pointers. He led the Dubs in scoring (23 points), made field goals (8) and made 3-pointers (6). Thompson was the only Warriors starter to make multiple threes, as his Splash Brother Stephen Curry made less than four 3-pointers (1 3PM) for the first time this season.

SECOND QUARTER RUNS
After a Thompson 3-pointer with 10:58 remaining in the second quarter, the Suns went on a 12-1 run to take a 40-35 lead. The Warriors responded with a 7-0 burst, but the Suns came back even stronger with a 14-0 run, including seven points from Kevin Durant. The Suns ended the half on a 23-5 run and the frame finished with a series of technical fouls, two for Chris Paul, which resulted in ejection and one for Head Coach Steve Kerr. Phoenix led by 16 points at halftime (63-47).

WARRIORS' BENCH BATTLES BACK
The Warriors' reserves went on a 15-3 run, bridging the third and fourth quarters, bringing a once 23-point deficit to within 10 (91-81). Their lineup included Brandin Podziemski, Dario Saric, Moses Moody, Gui Santos and Cory Joseph. Later in the final frame, the Dubs' second unit went on a 30-17 stretch — spanning over nearly eight minutes — bringing the game to within three points. Saric (17 points) and Podziemski (10 points) combined for 27 points as the Warriors' bench outscored their opponent for the 15th time in 16 games.

"I like the way the bench fought in the second half, gave us a chance," Head Coach Steve Kerr said.

PAUL’S RETURN TO PHOENIX
Chris Paul played his first game in Phoenix since being traded by the Suns this offseason. Paul took a Suns team that missed the playoffs the year prior to the NBA Finals in his first season and helped them set a franchise record for wins in a single season (64) the following year. The Suns gave him a tribute video, showing their appreciation for his contributions during his three seasons with the franchise. 

Paul's night ended promptly in the second quarter with an ejection as he finished with six points and six assists in just under 17 minutes of action. 

UP NEXT 
The Warriors return to Chase Center to host the San Antonio Spurs on Friday for their final scheduled In-Season Tournament home game.