PHOENIX – Continuing to make errors as they learn about themselves, the Warriors on Sunday eked out another win against a determined opponent.
In outlasting the Suns 106-100 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix, the Warriors used a lot of Kevin Durant, with sprinkles of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, to overcame their worst tendencies.
Durant finished with a game-high 37 points – 11 in the fourth quarter – while Curry flipped in 28. Green scored only 5 points but posted 13 rebounds, nine assists and three blocked shots.
The Warriors did their part to keep the Suns close, committing 16 turnovers, off which Phoenix scored 25 points. The Warriors tallied 13 points off 12 Suns miscues.
The Warriors this season have yet to post a rebounding advantage, losing the glass battle 50-43, although Draymond Green (13) and Zaza Pachulia (10) did stellar work inside.
STANDOUT PERFORMER: This was a KD production, with KD starring and his teammates as the supporting cast.
Durant’s line: 37 points (10-of-16 from the floor, including 2-of-4 beyond the arc and 15-of-16 from the line), four rebounds, four assists, four steals, a blocked shot and four turnovers. He played 38 minutes and finished plus-17.
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TURNING POINT: This one was tight throughout the second half, with the teams never separated by more than 6 points.
Not until Durant drained two free throws with seven seconds left for the final points of the game was this one decided.
INJURY UPDATE: Warriors: G Pat McCaw (L ankle sprain) and C Damian Jones (R pectoral surgery) were listed as out.
Suns: G Devin Booker (R big toe sprain) was listed as probable and upgraded to active an hour before tipoff.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Warriors travel to Portland, where on Tuesday night they are scheduled to face the Trail Blazers at Moda Center.
