Will Richard Sparks Warriors to Thrilling Victory Over Suns
The Golden State Warriors (14-15) put an end to a three-game losing streak with a nail-biting 119-116 victory against the Phoenix Suns (15-13) on Saturday at Chase Center. The night belonged to Stephen Curry, who led the team with 28 points, while Jimmy Butler contributed 25. However, it was Will Richard, emerging from a recent spell on the bench, who made the most significant impact with 20 points. Devin Booker, despite the loss, shone brightly for the Suns, leading all scorers with a remarkable 38 points. In a dramatic turn, Draymond Green was ejected during the second quarter after receiving two technical fouls in quick succession, adding to the game’s intensity.
Richard’s Stellar Performance
Before Saturday’s game, Richard had found himself on the sidelines for three consecutive outings, but his performance against the Suns ensured he won’t be seeing the bench anytime soon. He lit up the court with an impressive shooting display, going 6-of-7 from the field, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, and converting all four of his free-throw attempts.
His pivotal contributions came during a crucial stretch in the second quarter. With the Suns holding a solid 56-44 lead and just 6:30 left in the half, Richard ignited a Warriors comeback. He scored a putback, followed with a three-pointer, and sank two free throws, culminating in a miraculous putback as the halftime buzzer neared. His efforts fueled a 20-11 run, cutting the Suns’ lead to a mere three points at halftime.
Richard continued to shine late in the third quarter, adding another three-pointer and two free throws, stretching the Warriors’ lead from one point to seven. Despite only playing 19 minutes, Steve Kerr’s coaching staff now has a compelling reason to increase Richard’s playing time in future matchups.
Warriors Dominate the Glass
Entering the game ranked 22nd in the league in rebound rate at 48.7 percent, the Warriors faced the challenge of their smaller roster head-on. Last season, they managed a respectable seventh place in the rebounding rankings, so their performance against the Suns was particularly noteworthy.
On Saturday, the Warriors dominated the boards with a 49-34 rebounding advantage. While it’s unlikely they’ll transform into an elite rebounding team overnight, their success against the Suns was a collective effort. Surprisingly, Curry led the team with 10 rebounds, while Gary Payton II (8), Trayce Jackson-Davis (7), and Richard (5) provided crucial support. This team-oriented approach showcased the Warriors’ ability to adapt and compete, even while facing size disadvantages.
Curry Breaks Clutch Game Slump
Although the Warriors held a seven-point lead with five minutes remaining, the game didn’t officially qualify as a clutch moment until the clock showed 3:44. Curry, however, had already made his mark by hitting a baseline jumper that pushed their lead to nine points with 4:36 left.
As the Suns began to chip away at the lead, Curry responded decisively. He executed a running bank shot after the Suns narrowed the gap to five. When the Suns further closed in, Curry maneuvered off a pindown screen, drawing a double team, which allowed Quinten Post to finish with a wide-open dunk.
With the Suns trailing by just two points, Curry hit an audacious 29-foot three-pointer, nearly stepping out of bounds. After another Suns basket reduced the deficit to four, he made a critical pass to Payton, who found Butler for an and-1 layup. Curry then extended the lead to four with two free throws, displaying his clutch gene.
Despite entering the game with a challenging clutch game record of 5-10 this season, Curry was a force in the final moments. He tallied nine points on 3-of-4 shooting during the clutch period, showcasing his ability to carry the team in high-pressure situations.
As the Warriors continue to navigate this season, performances like Richard’s and Curry’s will be vital for their success moving forward.
