The Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns delivered another thriller in their ongoing rivalry, with Golden State edging out a 119-116 win that felt as much about redemption as it was about execution. This one had all the ingredients-star power, intensity, and a little bit of controversy. And at the center of it all, as usual, was Stephen Curry.
Let’s start there. Just days after a narrow 99-98 loss to Phoenix-a game that raised questions about Curry’s status after a hard collision with Dillon Brooks-Steph bounced back with a vintage performance.
He poured in 28 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out six assists, becoming the oldest point guard in NBA history to post at least 25 points and 10 boards in a single game. At 37, Curry isn’t just defying Father Time-he’s rewriting the script on what aging in the NBA looks like, especially at a position that demands so much physically.
What stood out most wasn’t just the scoring. It was the way Curry controlled the game from all angles.
His rebounding-particularly on the defensive glass-was a quiet but crucial difference-maker. He was everywhere, reading the floor, anticipating second-chance opportunities, and helping the Warriors close out possessions.
That’s the kind of all-around impact that doesn’t always show up in highlights but wins games.
And speaking of highlights, there was no shortage of those. Devin Booker came out firing for the Suns, dropping a game-high 38 points and keeping Phoenix in the fight until the very last possession.
Booker was relentless-attacking off the dribble, hitting tough shots, and drawing plenty of defensive attention. But even with his offensive explosion, the Suns couldn’t quite get over the hump.
One of the game’s more talked-about moments came during a possession where Curry was clearly bumped and grabbed multiple times without a whistle. What made it even more compelling?
Booker, his opponent, actually joined Curry in pointing out the missed calls to the officials. It was a rare moment of mutual respect and sportsmanship-two competitors acknowledging the physicality of the game and the need for fair play.
Off the bench, the Warriors got key contributions that helped swing the game. Jimmy Butler added 25 points with his usual blend of toughness and timely scoring, while Will Richard stepped up with 20 points of his own, providing a spark that helped Golden State control the tempo when Curry rested. The Warriors’ rotation showed depth and cohesion, a promising sign as the season grinds on.
For Phoenix, this was a tough loss, but not without positives. The Suns battled from start to finish, and Booker’s performance was a reminder of just how dangerous he can be when he gets rolling. But in a game decided by just three points, the little things-missed box-outs, a couple of empty possessions, and yes, a few no-calls-added up.
As for the Warriors, this win wasn’t just about avenging the earlier loss. It was about momentum.
They’re starting to find a rhythm, and with Curry playing at this level, they’ve got a real shot to make noise in the West. The chemistry is building, the role players are stepping up, and the defense is beginning to tighten in key stretches.
Bottom line: when Steph Curry is healthy and locked in like this, Golden State is never out of the conversation. And if Saturday night was any indication, he’s not just playing to keep up-he’s still setting the pace.