Golden State Warriors vs Phoenix Suns Match Player Stats
The golden state warriors vs phoenix suns match player stats tell the story of a high stakes NBA Play In Tournament game where the Phoenix Suns earned a convincing 111 to 96 victory on April 18, 2026. While the final score shows a comfortable win for Phoenix, the numbers behind the game reveal how efficient shooting, disciplined ball control, and standout individual performances shaped the outcome. From Jalen Green’s explosive scoring display to Brandin Podziemski’s double double, every statistic helps explain why one team advanced while the other saw its season come to an end.
Played at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, the Western Conference 8th Seed Play In matchup attracted 17,071 fans and featured two teams with very different regular season records. Phoenix entered the contest with a 45 to 37 record and home court advantage, while Golden State arrived with a 37 to 45 record after struggling on the road throughout the season.
Rather than looking only at the final score, this analysis examines team efficiency, player production, momentum swings, and the statistics that ultimately decided the contest.
Match Overview
| Match Detail | Information |
| Competition | NBA Play In Tournament Western Conference 8th Seed Game |
| Date | April 18, 2026 |
| Venue | Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona |
| Attendance | 17,071 |
| Final Score | Phoenix Suns 111, Golden State Warriors 96 |
| Winner | Phoenix Suns |
| Broadcast | Prime Video |
Phoenix improved its overall record to 45 and 37 while securing advancement from the Play In Tournament. Golden State finished the season at 37 and 45 after another difficult road performance.
The game was officiated by Scott Foster, Tre Maddox, Mitchell Ervin, and Aaron Smith.
First Half Review
Golden State entered the game hoping to establish an early rhythm through Stephen Curry and its experienced core. Instead, Phoenix immediately imposed its pace and defensive pressure.
The Suns dominated the opening quarter by outscoring the Warriors 33 to 15.
That eighteen point advantage immediately shifted pressure onto Golden State.
Although the Warriors responded impressively in the second quarter by winning it 30 to 17, they never completely erased the damage created during the opening twelve minutes.
At halftime, momentum remained balanced, but Phoenix had already demonstrated that its defensive intensity could disrupt Golden State’s offensive flow.
Quarter by Quarter Breakdown
| Quarter | Golden State | Phoenix |
| First | 15 | 33 |
| Second | 30 | 17 |
| Third | 24 | 28 |
| Fourth | 27 | 33 |
The opening quarter became the defining stretch of the evening.
Phoenix forced mistakes, converted transition opportunities, and built a sizeable lead before Golden State found any offensive consistency.
During the third quarter, the Suns once again controlled the tempo. Whenever the Warriors threatened to reduce the deficit, Phoenix answered with timely perimeter shooting and efficient half court offense.
The final period followed the same pattern. Phoenix matched every Warriors run before extending its lead once more during the closing minutes.
Complete Team Statistics Comparison
The overall team numbers explain why Phoenix controlled most of the game despite nearly matching Golden State in rebounds.
| Category | Warriors | Suns |
| Points | 96 | 111 |
| Field Goals | 33 of 74 | 39 of 81 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 45% | 48% |
| Three Pointers | 11 of 33 | 18 of 49 |
| Three Point Percentage | 33% | 37% |
| Free Throws | 19 of 23 | 15 of 15 |
| Free Throw Percentage | 83% | 100% |
| Rebounds | 39 | 36 |
| Assists | 22 | 23 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 12 |
| Steals | 5 | 14 |
| Blocks | 0 | 4 |
Although Golden State actually collected three more rebounds, Phoenix outperformed the Warriors in nearly every efficiency category.
The Suns converted six more three point shots.
They committed eight fewer turnovers.
They doubled Golden State’s defensive impact through steals and blocks.
Perhaps most importantly, Phoenix never missed a free throw, converting all fifteen attempts.
Why the Team Statistics Favored Phoenix
One statistic stood above every other.
Golden State committed 20 turnovers.
Phoenix transformed many of those mistakes into transition scoring opportunities.
At the same time, the Suns recorded 14 steals, constantly disrupting passing lanes and forcing rushed decisions.
Another deciding factor came from beyond the arc.
Phoenix connected on eighteen three pointers while Golden State finished with only eleven.
That difference alone created an eighteen point advantage from long range shooting.
Even though field goal percentages were relatively close, the Suns generated far more valuable scoring opportunities because of superior ball movement and perimeter accuracy.
Golden State Warriors Player Statistics
Despite the defeat, several Warriors players produced encouraging individual performances.
Brandin Podziemski
Brandin Podziemski finished as Golden State’s best overall performer.
His final line included:
- 23 points
- 10 rebounds
Recording a double double in an elimination game demonstrated his ability to contribute in multiple areas. He attacked the basket confidently while also competing on the glass throughout the evening.
Among all Warriors players, Podziemski consistently generated offense without forcing unnecessary shots.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry concluded the game with:
- 17 points
- 4 rebounds
- 4 assists
Although those numbers appear respectable, Phoenix’s defensive strategy successfully limited his overall influence.
Instead of allowing Curry extended opportunities beyond the three point line, the Suns frequently pressured him before he could establish comfortable shooting rhythm.
As a result, Golden State relied more heavily on secondary scorers than usual.
Seth Curry
Seth Curry contributed valuable scoring from the perimeter.
His performance included:
- 16 points
Whenever Golden State needed offensive production during the second quarter comeback, Seth Curry helped keep the scoreboard moving.
However, the Warriors ultimately needed greater consistency across the entire lineup.
Draymond Green
Draymond Green focused primarily on facilitating the offense rather than scoring.
His statistics included:
- 5 points
- 2 rebounds
- 6 assists
His six assists led the Warriors, highlighting his continued value as a playmaker.
Even so, Phoenix’s aggressive perimeter defense frequently prevented him from initiating the offensive sets that have traditionally made Golden State successful.
Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis added:
- 11 points
- 1 rebound
He provided interior scoring during several important stretches but was unable to consistently impact the rebounding battle against Phoenix’s physical frontcourt.
Gui Santos
Gui Santos quietly produced one of the more balanced performances on the roster.
His numbers included:
- 9 points
- 6 rebounds
- 4 assists
Although not among the game’s leading scorers, Santos contributed across multiple statistical categories while maintaining steady effort on both ends of the floor.
Warriors Offensive Performance
Looking beyond individual scoring totals, Golden State’s offense struggled because possessions frequently ended before quality shots could develop.
Twenty turnovers prevented the Warriors from maximizing their shooting efficiency.
Even though they converted 45 percent of their field goals, they simply did not generate enough quality possessions to keep pace with Phoenix.
The team also produced only eleven successful three pointers compared with eighteen by the Suns.
That difference repeatedly widened the scoring gap whenever Golden State appeared ready to build momentum.
Phoenix Suns Player Statistics
The home team received outstanding performances from several players, beginning with one of the most impressive individual scoring displays of the Play In Tournament.
Jalen Green
Jalen Green delivered the biggest performance of the night.
His complete stat line included:
- 36 points
- 6 rebounds
- 4 assists
- 8 three pointers
Green finished 14 of 20 from the field and consistently punished defensive rotations.
His ability to score from deep, attack the rim, and create offense under pressure forced Golden State to adjust its defensive coverage throughout the game.
Every time the Warriors attempted to reduce the deficit, Green answered with another timely basket.
His shooting efficiency became the foundation of Phoenix’s offensive success.
Devin Booker
Devin Booker provided the Suns with the type of all around performance required in a high pressure elimination game.
His final numbers were:
- 20 points
- 6 rebounds
- 8 assists
While Jalen Green carried much of the scoring responsibility, Booker controlled the offensive structure. His eight assists showed his ability to create opportunities for teammates rather than relying only on his own scoring.
Phoenix benefited from Booker’s decision making because Golden State’s defense often focused heavily on stopping individual scorers. Booker responded by finding open shooters and keeping the offense balanced.
His leadership was especially important during moments when Golden State attempted to create comeback opportunities.
Jordan Goodwin
Jordan Goodwin produced one of the most complete performances of the game.
His statistics included:
- 19 points
- 9 rebounds
- 6 steals
Goodwin’s impact went beyond scoring.
His six steals were a major reason Phoenix maintained control of the game. Defensive activity created additional possessions, and those extra opportunities allowed the Suns to extend their advantage.
In a matchup where turnovers became the biggest difference between the teams, Goodwin’s defensive pressure directly influenced the final result.
Dillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks contributed important two way production.
His performance included:
- 13 points
- 4 assists
Brooks provided physical defense and helped Phoenix maintain intensity against Golden State’s experienced perimeter players.
His role was not simply measured through scoring. His defensive presence forced difficult possessions and added another challenge for the Warriors’ offensive players.
Oso Ighodaro
Oso Ighodaro added reliable interior production.
His final numbers:
- 10 points
- 6 rebounds
His rebounding effort helped Phoenix compete despite Golden State winning the overall rebounding category.
He provided valuable energy around the basket and helped the Suns maintain possession during important stretches.
Royce O’Neale
Royce O’Neale delivered additional perimeter shooting.
His contribution:
- 11 points
- 3 three pointers
His ability to knock down open shots gave Phoenix another scoring option outside its primary creators.
When teams face playoff style defenses, having multiple reliable shooters often determines whether an offense becomes predictable or difficult to defend.
Phoenix Suns Offensive Analysis
The Phoenix offensive approach was built around efficiency and variety.
The Suns finished with:
- 111 points
- 48 percent field goal shooting
- 18 made three pointers
- 23 assists
Those numbers demonstrate a balanced offensive attack.
Phoenix did not depend on one player creating every possession. Instead, the team combined isolation scoring, ball movement, and perimeter shooting.
The most impressive element was shot quality.
The Suns did not simply take more shots. They created better opportunities through:
- Quick ball movement
- Reduced turnovers
- Strong perimeter spacing
- Effective transition offense
This allowed Phoenix to maintain offensive pressure for all four quarters.
The Biggest Statistical Difference: Turnovers
When analyzing the golden state warriors vs phoenix suns match player stats, turnovers represent the clearest explanation for the final result.
Golden State committed:
20 turnovers
Phoenix committed:
12 turnovers
That eight possession difference is extremely valuable in an NBA elimination game.
Every turnover represents a lost scoring opportunity and often creates an easy transition chance for the opponent.
Phoenix converted its defensive pressure into offense, while Golden State struggled to protect possessions.
This was not simply a bad shooting night for the Warriors. Their biggest problem was maintaining offensive control.
Shooting Comparison Explained
Shooting efficiency played another major role.
Golden State:
- 33 made field goals
- 11 made three pointers
- 45 percent field goal shooting
Phoenix:
- 39 made field goals
- 18 made three pointers
- 48 percent field goal shooting
The difference in three point production was significant.
Phoenix made seven more three pointers than Golden State.
At three points per shot, that created a 21 point scoring advantage from long distance before considering other factors.
Although Golden State attempted fewer three pointers, its 33 percent conversion rate was not disastrous. The issue was volume and defensive disruption.
Phoenix created more open looks and punished defensive mistakes.
Defensive Battle
The defensive numbers reveal another important part of the matchup.
Phoenix recorded:
- 14 steals
- 4 blocks
Golden State recorded:
- 5 steals
- 0 blocks
The Suns were more disruptive throughout the game.
Their defensive activity forced Golden State into uncomfortable situations, especially when the Warriors attempted to create offense late in the shot clock.
Golden State’s lack of blocks also showed Phoenix’s ability to finish possessions successfully near the rim.
Tactical Reasons Phoenix Won
1. Phoenix Controlled the Opening Quarter
The first quarter effectively shaped the entire game.
A 33 to 15 start gave Phoenix confidence and forced Golden State into comeback mode.
In playoff basketball, early deficits create additional pressure because every possession becomes more important.
2. The Suns Protected the Basketball
Phoenix avoided unnecessary mistakes.
Twelve turnovers across a full game allowed them to maximize offensive possessions.
Against an experienced team like Golden State, limiting mistakes was essential.
3. Multiple Scoring Options Created Defensive Problems
The Suns received major contributions from:
- Jalen Green
- Devin Booker
- Jordan Goodwin
- Dillon Brooks
- Royce O’Neale
Because several players could create offense, Golden State could not focus completely on stopping one scorer.
4. Perimeter Shooting Created Separation
Phoenix’s eighteen made three pointers changed the defensive equation.
Golden State had to respect shooters, which opened additional driving lanes and passing opportunities.
What Golden State Could Learn From This Game
The Warriors’ loss highlighted several areas that need attention.
Reducing Turnovers
Twenty turnovers were too costly.
Future success requires stronger possession control, especially against teams that generate transition offense.
Creating More Consistent Offensive Support
Stephen Curry remains one of basketball’s most dangerous offensive players, but elimination games often require contributions from multiple players.
Golden State received strong efforts from Podziemski and others, but the team needed more consistent scoring throughout all four quarters.
Improving Defensive Pressure
Phoenix finished with significantly more steals and created more difficult possessions.
The Warriors needed greater defensive disruption to slow Phoenix’s offensive rhythm.
Season Context and Standings Impact
The result reflected the difference between two Pacific Division teams with different regular season outcomes.
The final Pacific Division standings were:
| Team | Record | Winning Percentage |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 53-29 | .646 |
| Phoenix Suns | 45-37 | .549 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 42-40 | .512 |
| Golden State Warriors | 37-45 | .451 |
| Sacramento Kings | 22-60 | .268 |
Phoenix’s stronger regular season record gave the team home court advantage, and that advantage became meaningful in the Play In matchup.
Golden State showed competitive moments but could not overcome its road struggles.
Key Takeaways From The Match
The most important lessons from this matchup include:
- Phoenix won because of efficiency, not just scoring.
- Jalen Green delivered the game’s defining individual performance.
- Golden State’s turnovers created too many extra opportunities.
- Three point shooting created a major scoring gap.
- Brandin Podziemski showed strong potential with a double double.
- Defensive pressure separated the two teams.
The final score of 111 to 96 tells only part of the story. The deeper statistical picture shows a Phoenix team that executed better in the areas that matter most during postseason basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Warriors vs Suns Play In game?
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors 111 to 96 in the Western Conference 8th Seed Play In game on April 18, 2026.
Who was the top scorer in the game?
Jalen Green was the leading scorer with 36 points for Phoenix. He also added 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and made 8 three pointers.
Who led the Warriors in scoring?
Brandin Podziemski led Golden State with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Stephen Curry followed with 17 points.
Why did Phoenix beat Golden State?
Phoenix won because it created more efficient possessions. The Suns made 18 three pointers, forced 20 Warriors turnovers, and recorded 14 steals.
How did Stephen Curry perform against Phoenix?
Stephen Curry finished with 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Phoenix’s defensive pressure limited his overall offensive impact.
Which team had better defensive statistics?
Phoenix produced stronger defensive numbers with 14 steals and 4 blocks compared with Golden State’s 5 steals and zero blocks.
Conclusion
The golden state warriors vs phoenix suns match player stats provide a detailed explanation of how Phoenix secured a 111 to 96 Play In victory. The Suns combined efficient shooting, defensive pressure, and balanced scoring to overcome Golden State.
Jalen Green’s 36 point performance was the headline moment, but the victory was built on team execution. Phoenix protected the basketball, created additional possessions through defense, and converted from outside the arc.
Golden State showed strong individual performances, especially from Brandin Podziemski, but turnovers and limited three point production prevented a successful comeback.
This matchup demonstrated that postseason basketball is often decided by small statistical advantages. Phoenix won those important battles and earned the result.
For deeper statistical analysis and official basketball information, readers can also review resources from NBA official statistics.
