The Golden State Warriors, without Steph Curry and fresh off the trade deadline, looked like a team on a mission Thursday night. Down late and seemingly out of gas, they dug deep and closed on a 22-5 run to steal a 101-97 win from the Phoenix Suns-a gritty, emotional victory that had Steve Kerr comparing the locker room celebration to winning a championship. And honestly, it felt like one.
Let’s break down the performances that powered this shorthanded squad to one of their most feel-good wins of the season.
Moses Moody
31 minutes, 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 2-for-7 FG, 2-for-7 3PT, 42.9% TS, +4
Moody didn’t have to chase Devin Booker around this time-Booker was sidelined-but that didn’t mean Moody took the night off defensively. Far from it.
He was a defensive tone-setter, crashing the glass and making winning plays. The offensive numbers won’t wow you, but that final-seconds hustle play?
That was game-sealing stuff. Heart, effort, and timing.
That’s how you earn an A-minus on a night when the shots aren’t falling.
Grade: A-
Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in rebounds.
Gui Santos
36 minutes, 18 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls, 6-for-9 FG, 3-for-6 3PT, 3-for-5 FT, 80.4% TS, +2
With Jimmy Butler III out for the year and Jonathan Kuminga traded, the door is wide open for Gui Santos-and he’s sprinting through it. Santos was everywhere.
Scoring, facilitating, defending-he filled every gap and played with a confidence that felt contagious. He didn’t just look like a rotation player; he looked like a guy ready to make a name for himself.
Grade: A+
Post-game bonus: Led the team in assists.
Draymond Green
24 minutes, 5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 1-for-3 FG, 1-for-3 3PT, 2-for-2 FT, 64.4% TS, -1
This wasn’t a stat-sheet stuffer from Draymond, but the emotional weight of the night was written all over his face. His name floated in trade rumors for the first time in his career, and you could sense the relief that he’s still in the Bay.
He played within himself, let others shine, and anchored the defense when it mattered. Not flashy, but effective.
Grade: B
Pat Spencer
32 minutes, 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers, 2 fouls, 6-for-11 FG, 6-for-10 3PT, 2-for-2 FT, 84.2% TS, -3
Talk about going out with a bang. Spencer, in the final game of his two-way contract, delivered a career-high scoring night and looked like a guy who belongs on a full-time NBA deal.
He was fearless from deep, ran the offense with poise, and made clutch plays down the stretch. The turnovers were there, sure, but the moment called for a hero-and Spencer answered.
Grade: A+
Post-game bonus: Led the team in points.
De’Anthony Melton
25 minutes, 17 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, 1 foul, 6-for-14 FG, 2-for-9 3PT, 3-for-4 FT, 53.9% TS, +21
Melton’s box score won’t blow you away, but if you watched the final minutes of this game, you know exactly why he’s here. He was the spark, the stopper, the steadying hand.
His plus-21 in just 25 minutes tells the story better than any shooting percentage. He was the heartbeat of that 22-5 closing run, and the Warriors don’t win this one without him.
Grade: A
Gary Payton II
19 minutes, 15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 foul, 6-for-11 FG, 3-for-6 3PT, 68.2% TS, +4
GPII was everywhere. He was second in the entire game in rebounds-trailing only Phoenix’s Mark Williams-and he did it in under 20 minutes.
He snagged the biggest board of the night on a missed go-ahead three by Dillon Brooks, and his defense was, as always, elite. But this time, the offense came with it.
One of his best all-around games in a Warriors uniform.
Grade: A+
Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in rebounds.
Brandin Podziemski
12 minutes, 0 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover, 1 foul, 0-for-3 FG, 0-for-3 3PT, 0.0% TS, -21
Tough night for Podz, but the context matters. He was battling illness, and ultimately had to pull himself from the game-a rare move for a guy known for his competitiveness.
His status for Saturday is up in the air, and rightfully so. This one’s a throwaway.
Rest up, rookie.
**Grade: Feel better! **
*Post-game bonus: Worst plus/minus on the team. *
Al Horford
28 minutes, 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 1 foul, 4-for-10 FG, 2-for-5 3PT, 3-for-5 FT, 53.3% TS, 0 plus/minus
This is exactly the kind of game the Warriors envisioned when they brought Horford in. Solid scoring, smart passing, and veteran poise.
He’s not going to dominate games at this stage, but he’s going to help you win them. And if he picks up that player option next year, Golden State won’t complain.
Grade: B
Will Richard
27 minutes, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 fouls, 2-for-6 FG, 1-for-4 3PT, 2-for-2 FT, 50.9% TS, +16
The box score doesn’t scream breakout game, but Richard’s defense was eye-opening. He’s already showing the kind of instincts and physicality that make you wonder how he slipped to the second round. If his role continues to grow, don’t be surprised-he’s earning it.
Grade: A-
Quinten Post
6 minutes, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 foul, 0-for-2 FG, 0-for-2 3PT, 0.0% TS, -2
Limited minutes for Post, but there’s promise here. His length and feel are intriguing, and the Warriors are giving him a chance to learn on the fly. Getting to study under a guy like Kristaps Porziņģis will only help.
Grade: B-
DNP-CD: Malevy Leons
Final Word:
This wasn’t just a win-it was a statement.
No Steph, no problem. The Warriors leaned on their depth, their defense, and a whole lot of heart to take down a tough Suns team.
With the trade deadline in the rearview and roles shifting, this group just gave us a glimpse of what the post-deadline Warriors might look like: gritty, balanced, and not backing down from anyone.