Warriors’ Core Players All Chip In to End Losing Streak vs. Suns

Feb 20, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) controls the rebound against Phoenix Suns power forward Luis Scola (14) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight, the Warriors came in looking to do one thing: win. And they have accomplished what seemed to be impossible for 18 long days.

The last time the Warriors won was on February 2nd, against who else but the Suns. Luckily, the warriors are out of their funk and hopefully back on the road to the playoffs. The Warriors decisively beat the Suns 108-98.

In the first quarter of this game, the Warriors ‘ early defense and offense looked really good and they were able to jump out to a 16-10 lead midway through the quarter. The Suns, being 2-11 on the back end of a back-to-back game, had some trouble finding their offense. Klay Thompson had a hot start, and scored 12/25 of the first Warrior points, and opened 6/6. At the end of the first, the Warriors were shooting just below 60%, while holding the Suns to 42%. It was a 33-26 lead at the end of the quarter.

Heading into the second, the Warriors were looking to push the lead up to double-digits before half-time. Unfortunately, however, the Warriors weren’t able to capitalize on the Suns’ mistakes, and found themselves only up 41-37 five minutes in to the quarter. Because of Thompson’s hot shooting, however, the Warriors were able to stay in the game, while keeping their lead. Andrew Bogut, who had been criticized for his playing in the losing streak, had a wonderful game, and it really showed in the second quarter. At the half, the Warriors pushed the lead to eight: 57-49.

At this point, the only thing keeping the Suns in the game was their three-point shooting, which was at 6/8. Normally, they’re the second worst three point shooting team in the NBA: what is it about opponents shooting threes against the Warriors? Because Phoenix relentlessly out-shot the Warriors, they were able to climb back to a one point game, but they never regained the lead. The lead was up to nine: 85-76 at the end of the third.

Thanks to some big shots from Stephen Curry, David Lee, and Jarrett Jack, the Warriors were able to silently put the Suns away. They outscored their opponents by one point each quarter, excluding the first.

The stars came out to play today:  David Lee finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Andrew Bogut had 7 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Stephen Curry finished with 20 points and 11 assists, and Klay Thompson led the way with 28 points and 8 rebounds.