Suns Stun Warriors with Last-Second Free Throw in Nail-Biting 99-98 Finish
PHOENIX — In a game that showcased resilience and tenacity, the Phoenix Suns edged past the Golden State Warriors with a heart-stopping 99-98 victory on Thursday night. This win improved the Suns’ record to 15-12, while the Warriors fell to 13-15, continuing their struggle to find consistency this season.
Dramatic Comeback
The Suns displayed remarkable grit, rallying from a 14-point deficit early in the third quarter. A key factor in their comeback was their defensive prowess; the team recorded 16 steals, marking the third time this season they have achieved that feat. The Suns have developed a knack for thrilling finales, and this game was no exception.
With just over 30 seconds remaining in the game, the situation took a dramatic turn. Dillon Brooks picked up a flagrant 1 foul after Stephen Curry missed a crucial three-pointer, a moment that seemed to swing the momentum back to the Warriors, who were trailing by five. Curry capitalized on the opportunity, sinking both free throws, and the Warriors regained possession. Jimmy Butler then delivered a timely three-pointer, tying the game at 96 with less than three seconds left on the clock.
A Nail-Biting Finish
Unlike their previous encounter against the Los Angeles Lakers, where they fell short, the Suns demonstrated a newfound resolve in the closing moments. With just 0.4 seconds left, Jordan Goodwin was fouled during an offensive rebound following a missed three-pointer by Brooks. Goodwin stepped up to the line, missing his first free throw before calmly sinking the second. This crucial basket not only clinched the game but sent the Suns’ fans into a frenzy, securing a thrilling one-point victory.
“We’re a team that always figures it out, finds a way, and today we found a way,” Brooks reflected after the game, encapsulating the spirit that has defined the Suns in tight contests.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Phoenix Suns celebrated yet another chapter in their season filled with dramatic finishes, while the Warriors were left to ponder what could have been.
