A depleted Golden State Warriors delivered a late surge on Thursday night, erasing a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Suns 101–97 in Phoenix.
Fourth-quarter turnaround
Phoenix entered the final period ahead 82–76 and quickly stretched the margin to 90–76 after back-to-back threes from Collin Gillespie.
What followed flipped the game. Golden State steadily chipped away before De’Anthony Melton finished a layup to tie it at 97 with 55.8 seconds left. Moments later, Gui Santos converted in transition to put the Warriors in front for good.
Phoenix’s final possession ended with a missed three by Dillon Brooks. Gary Payton II secured the rebound, and Melton sealed the outcome with a layup as time expired.
Standout performances
Pat Spencer turned in the best night of his career, scoring 20 points and burying six threes.
Santos added 18 as Golden State spread the scoring load, with five players reaching double figures.
Brooks paced Phoenix with 24 points, while Grayson Allen scored 21 before exiting late.
The Suns managed just 15 points in the fourth quarter, making six field goals and failing to score over the final 3:55 after briefly leading 97–91.
Injury and availability notes
Allen left the game after landing awkwardly and did not return due to a right knee injury, according to the team. Phoenix was already without guards Devin Booker (ankle) and Jalen Green (hamstring/hip).
Golden State played without Stephen Curry (knee) and newly acquired forward Kristaps Porzingis, who has yet to join the team.
Porzingis is expected to meet the Warriors in Los Angeles on Friday, though head coach Steve Kerr expressed doubt about his availability for the upcoming matchup with the Lakers.